Eltra grumbles “Yes, yes formalities, formalities…. Sit, sit…let’s get to it….So what does V want from us?”
She nods curtly, managing a brief smile at Eltra's directness, but is not hurried by it. Moving with purpose, and perhaps a touch of exhaustion, she leans her glaive against the wall, sets down a small sack she’d been carrying beneath it (it makes an audible clink as it touches the floor), then she nearly collapses into the chair at the end of the table, but notably still within arms reach of her weapon.
She looks at Eltra, “Chomping at the bit, aren’t we? I’d have guessed you’d be more interested in the money you were promised. But I’m glad to see such interest in the job - maybe the sales pitch portion of the message I’m bid to deliver won’t have to be so long,” she muses.
“Be that as it may, I am bid to deliver it in its entirety, so let me get it over with, also we can move on to what’s required of you. Then you will each be paid, regardless of what you do next.” She pauses a moment and eyes the sack beneath her glaive before speaking again.
“It may seem like a small fortune - and indeed, I suppose it is to some of you. But imagine what you could do if each of those 50 pieces of gold, AND each of those 50 pieces of silver you’re going to get just for listening to me, was actually a piece of platinum. For those of you that aren’t good with sums, that’s 20 times as much gold as you’re about to get - 1000 gold. Each. I’ll let that settle in for a moment so you can ponder all the things you’d be able to do. And for you to compare those things with what you can do with only 50 and 5 worth in gold, ” she says, then takes a pull from a tankard that Innes, moments ago, arrived to place at the table in front of her, receiving a coin too shiny to be copper that Reyna placed within her hand with a deep bow of appreciation before scurrying away to attend to another patron calling for her.
After setting the tankard down she turns to look at Bree, then suddenly a fine mist of ale is in the air in front of her face, having been aerosolized through her nose as she nearly inhales the fluid with a sudden surprised look. “Gods, damn,” she says, flushing slightly with embarrassment. “I, uhm. It went down the wrong pipe. In truth, I’ve never met one of your kind. I apologize for my reaction. You must be tired of people reacting like this. And I’m normally not so parochial as to be so easily surprised - I’m just… on edge. It’s been a long day for me. Meeting with you was not the only task I was bid to do, and the other proved… complicated. And may prove more complicated yet,” she murmurs, the last part more to herself than. “Anyway - what WOULD you do with that kind of money, I wonder? You’ve got Feywild exuding from your fur… and a little of my ale, apologies again,” she hands Bree a handkerchief made of fine silk. “Keep it,” she says, gesturing for her to clean her fur with it. Then she goes on. “Imagine the freedoms you’d have - I know how much you fey-folk value that.” She turns to the rest of you. “In fact, I’d like to hear each of your thoughts. Call it curiosity - Afterall, if you complete the assignment my employer has for you, we’ll end up working together.”
After wiping her face, Bree uses prestidigitation to clean the last of the ale off of her.
"While I don't care much for money, you are correct that I could use the money for my travels. And if it's interesting I would definitely be up for an adventure."
After wiping her face, Bree uses prestidigitation to clean the last of the ale off of her.
"While I don't care much for money, you are correct that I could use the money for my travels. And if it's interesting I would definitely be up for an adventure."
Reyna nods. "Nice spell, useful that one. And good answer. I was never one for money for money's sake either. If adventure is what you seek, that is guaranteed to happen. Thoughts from the rest of you? I should ask you each for your names, as well. First names are fine. My employer is extremely understanding of the desire for anonymity," she snorts.
Gus looks around the table, "lady knight I am Augustus Leafash, most just call me Gus. I've not really considered the gold, to be honest. I guess, just thinking right off, that amount would get me into a fine school of magic and more than pay for supplies and classes."
Gus looks around the table, "lady knight I am Augustus Leafash, most just call me Gus. I've not really considered the gold, to be honest. I guess, just thinking right off, that amount would get me into a fine school of magic and more than pay for supplies and classes."
"Well met." She snorts, "I'm no knight. Though I served under a knight captain for six years in Amn; and despite nearly dying saving him and his baron from being captured by bandits, the thought of making me a squire didn't occur to them. But then, I didn't want that - I wanted to come back home to the Gate. Nobility in Amn aren't as autonomous as they are in the Gate. Besides, here, title or not, I'm living better than most Amnian nobles do, with greater freedom, and all for just over two years of working for Mr. V," she shakes her head, as if still in disbelief of her fortune. "So, you're in training to be a wizard, hmm? We'll, don't spend anything on a wizard school just yet - if you do this assignment, and sign on with my employer, he'll make sure you're trained alright. He plays down his arcane talent, but he's been training me in mine enough for me to see that he's far more powerful that he lets on. If he takes to you, I'm sure you'll find he's got room for more apprentices."
Geren tries to get a read on Reyna. He prefers to get some idea of who he's dealing with before deciding on how to deal with them.
Insight: 21
He pushes aside his empty plate (crumbs all that remain of his sandwich) and lays his hands out on the table.
"Money's great, but I get the feeling there's more to gain here than just that."
Geren is able to discern that she's not lying about her past. If anything, she's playing it down. There doesn't appear to be a hint of deception to anything you've heard her say so far. Though it does seem as though she is following clear instructions to sell you all on the idea of joining in service to this 'Mr. V' person, it feels as though doing so is something she'd probably do anyway, as she's clearly not unhappy in his service. There does seem to be something on her mind that she hasn't mentioned, but you sense it has little or nothing to do with you all, or your assignment. You also suspect that she's holding out on the 'best part' of the deal - in a sort of "and that's not all..." sort of sales pitch.
As if confirming your suspicion, Reyna smiles at you. "Sharp one. There is indeed. But humor me anyway. What would you do with a 1000 gold? And, your name is...?
Geren tries to get a read on Reyna. He prefers to get some idea of who he's dealing with before deciding on how to deal with them.
Insight: 21
He pushes aside his empty plate (crumbs all that remain of his sandwich) and lays his hands out on the table.
"Money's great, but I get the feeling there's more to gain here than just that."
Geren is able to discern that she's not lying about her past. If anything, she's playing it down. There doesn't appear to be a hint of deception to anything you've heard her say so far. Though it does seem as though she is following clear instructions to sell you all on the idea of joining in service to this 'Mr. V' person, it feels as though doing so is something she'd probably do anyway, as she's clearly not unhappy in his service. There does seem to be something on her mind that she hasn't mentioned, but you sense it has little or nothing to do with you all, or your assignment. You also suspect that she's holding out on the 'best part' of the deal - in a sort of "and that's not all..." sort of sales pitch.
As if confirming your suspicion, Reyna smiles at you. "Sharp one. There is indeed. But humor me anyway. What would you do with a 1000 gold? And, your name is...?
Geren smirks.
"My name's Geren. As for what I'd do with 1000 gold pieces, that depends entirely on what's for sale. Stacking up money in a vault's all well and good, but I want more than a comfortable retirement. I've got ambitions beyond just being a sellsword and I'm sensing an opportunity for advancement with your employer."
Geren tries to get a read on Reyna. He prefers to get some idea of who he's dealing with before deciding on how to deal with them.
Insight: 21
He pushes aside his empty plate (crumbs all that remain of his sandwich) and lays his hands out on the table.
"Money's great, but I get the feeling there's more to gain here than just that."
Geren is able to discern that she's not lying about her past. If anything, she's playing it down. There doesn't appear to be a hint of deception to anything you've heard her say so far. Though it does seem as though she is following clear instructions to sell you all on the idea of joining in service to this 'Mr. V' person, it feels as though doing so is something she'd probably do anyway, as she's clearly not unhappy in his service. There does seem to be something on her mind that she hasn't mentioned, but you sense it has little or nothing to do with you all, or your assignment. You also suspect that she's holding out on the 'best part' of the deal - in a sort of "and that's not all..." sort of sales pitch.
As if confirming your suspicion, Reyna smiles at you. "Sharp one. There is indeed. But humor me anyway. What would you do with a 1000 gold? And, your name is...?
Geren smirks.
"My name's Geren. As for what I'd do with 1000 gold pieces, that depends entirely on what's for sale. Stacking up money in a vault's all well and good, but I want more than a comfortable retirement. I've got ambitions beyond just being a sellsword and I'm sensing an opportunity for advancement with your employer."
"Well met. And yes, there is. I mentioned my six years in service to a baron in Amn as a point of comparison. They promoted me in their own way. Before my last battle in their service, I'd been in charge of the keeps men-at-arms, but not their knights or squires. And that was where I'd been for the three years preceding my final battle in their service. There was no more room to rise there. But I wasn't after a promotion then. I got what I wanted out of the arraignment. Like you, I decided I wanted something else after that. Something more than just glory. Security. A livelihood where I don't have to face death in the face once a month. Where having to spend two months learning to walk again isn't a 'workplace hazard'. Where I can make friends again, because they won't all be dead inside of six months. Mr. V. has yet to put me into harm's way without good reason, and without such flagrant disregard for my life the way the Amnians did, nor does he do the opposite and coddle me the way the Fists did, because my mom-… well, let's just say because of reasons that aren’t important. He’s given me my own home - within the larger campus of his estate, straddling the wall between the Upper and Lower city. It’s got its own entrance, its own address to receive mail, running water, and my own servant even - a cook. Because who the hell knows how to cook anyway?” she laughs. "I won't pretend I have any idea half of what Mr. V's wider ambitions are - I don't. But he's got powerful connections on both sides of the gate - upper and lower city. He's on a first name basis with virtually everyone on the list of who you'd want to know in the Gate, hells, the Sword Coast even. Whatever your ambition, friend, its within reach of Mr. V. Mine - I already got it. I was already a citizen, and I don't need a title. But if those are things you want, there's no better first step than meeting him - the citizenship will happen the moment he hires you. Oh, speaking of cooking,” she stops for a moment as the barmaid returns once more with another platter of bacon sandwiches, setting it on the table. Once again, a shiny coin that’s too bright to be copper is placed into the barmaids' palm, and again she bows graciously. As she scoops up a sandwich and takes a bite, she mumbles "Oh, and by the by, your tabs covered."
“Thank you, Saer Nyldar,” Inness says meekly, before returning to the bar - but not before smiling shyly at Gus and his familiar. Reyna catches the look and looks at Gus with an eyebrow raising slightly into an inquisitive arch, giving way into a sly smile. “You realize what that look meant, I hope,” she winks. By the time the question has been asked, Innes has long since departed. “How old are you, anyway?” she asks Gus, suddenly realizing how youthful he seems both in mannerisms and in appearance.
Dawn has been watching the others interact with Reyna, but now it's her turn to respond. "I'm Dawn, a cleric of Lathander. To be honest, I don't what I would do with a thousand gold. Perhaps buy better armor. Perhaps donate it to my temple. Until a few days ago, I didn't have money of my own to spend. So I don't have much practice deciding on my own what to buy."
Eltra rolls his eyes at the mention of not caring about money “I’ve got an easy solution for those that don’t want care for money….Ill hold onto whatever you don’t want. Problem, solution….Eltra, if I’ve forgotten to mention my name….To be honest I hadn’t even thought about pay. I thought this was a one and done pat back to Mr V, but seeing it’s not…..Well I’m here so might as well stay and keep these younglings alive”
Dawn has been watching the others interact with Reyna, but now it's her turn to respond. "I'm Dawn, a cleric of Lathander. To be honest, I don't what I would do with a thousand gold. Perhaps buy better armor. Perhaps donate it to my temple. Until a few days ago, I didn't have money of my own to spend. So I don't have much practice deciding on my own what to buy."
"Well met," Reyna nods. "And good answer as well," she reaches reflexively toward her chest as if touching the armor she normally would be wearing. "A good set of armor is like a good lover... donating it, however," she smiles. "You're a better woman than I. You'd like my mother," she says, not unkindly.
Eltra rolls his eyes at the mention of not caring about money “I’ve got an easy solution for those that don’t want care for money….Ill hold onto whatever you don’t want. Problem, solution….Eltra, if I’ve forgotten to mention my name….To be honest I hadn’t even thought about pay. I thought this was a one and done pat back to Mr V, but seeing it’s not…..Well I’m here so might as well stay and keep these younglings alive”
"Well met," she smiles at the older gnome, managing to chuckle even. "I like the energy. But as far as meeting my employer, all things will come in good time. He's, a little shy. He only meets with people he's formed at least a certain degree of trust with."
"I'd still like to hear from everyone else, but before your gnomish friend's head explodes, let me answer his question and get to the assignment. Because you won't be able to meet Mr. V. until you've earned his trust - as I mentioned - and this assignment is a way to do that. There may be another after it, or maybe he'll be so satisfied with how it was done that he'll invite you to meet him at his estate after the one job. If there's a second task, it'll likely be something to do with the first - something he may add. Who knows? Anyway! The details," Reyna pushes back her now empty plate, taking a last swing of ale to wash down her last bite of sandwich.
"It falls under a couple categories - one is, let's call it information gathering. If you’re just want the shortest description possible, without the why of it, you have to do two things. One, you need to gather a report on the strength of any lizardman tribes there may be in each of four locations I am going to give you a map displaying - without taking any excessive risks of being caught, count how many unique shamans you see in each area. If possible, note how many warriors as well - shamans and warriors make up about a third of the marsh lizardmen tribes, and they’re hard to mix up with the regular tribesmen; if they’ve got a sword and shield, or sword of any kind - they’re warriors. If they’re holding tridents, with or without shields, and adorned in bone jewelry - their shamans. If they have little to no clothes or adornments, and carry only javelins for weapons, or no weapons at all, they’re regular tribals. An accurate count of all three is useful, but the only thing we have to know is how many shamans there are, with warriors second most useful. Should any of the four areas be absent of lizardmen entirely, explore them as thoroughly as you can, making careful note of anything resembling ancient ruins. You don’t need to record anything on parchment, or even be able to remember anything, so long as you are totally sober and spend at least a few moments looking directly at anything written in a language you’ve never seen, when he eventually meets with you, even if its weeks later, he will ask that you allow him to probe your memory of exploring the ruin, and it’ll be as if he went there and saw it himself, regardless of how poorly you can remember it. So don’t worry about interpreting anything or making sense of anything, just sort of look at everything. Again, only if the area is free from the threat of lizardmen. If the number of lizardmen is small enough for you to find a way to compel them to leave… all the better.
The second thing is lower priority, but still - as you make camp each night, you need to use a device of my employer’s design, to obtain a set of numbers it will display when aimed at the brightest star in the evening sky, at the second hour before midnight, up until the second hour past it. If you don’t have a way to measure time that is accurate to within a few hours, you’ll have to wait for the dawn bell, at castle Daggerford to sound, marking the sixth hour, and turn an hourglass over at that time, making sure to continue turning it over every hour and noting the time. But maybe you’ll be able to ‘divine’ some easier method. Simple as that.
Now I expect you’ll want to know the why of things. Or have other questions. But before you ask, let me mention a potential… resource for you. Crom’s Hold - the Baroness of the hold is a friend of mine. You may have heard of her - Nayeli Goldflower? Either way, Crom’s Hold’s mission has long been, in part at least, to keep the lizardmen tribes of the marshes from expanding into civilized areas like Daggerford. Mention you’re working for Reyna Nydlar, and you’ll get an audience with the baroness. Probably,” she laughs, and but then stops suddenly as she sees several of you have moved your gaze form Reyna, to a new visitor to the table:
Proud, regal even, the woman standing by your table screams landed gentry. Immediately, most of you recognize her to be the Duchess of Daggerford - Morwen Daggerford. In a flash, Reyna is on her feet and facing the new arrival. “Your grace,” Reyna bows slightly, she looks back at the table, and makes a gesture to do something to the same effect.
"Or you could mention that Morwen Daggerford sent you, and you'd definitely be granted an audience," she laughs, shaking her head at Reyna with something resembling a mix of respect and something else... frustration maybe? Disappointment? Or, maybe simply just confusion.
Dawn also springs to her feet and bows towards the Duchess. She stays quiet, waiting for the Duchess to give them leave to speak. While waiting she goes over the quest in her mind.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Eltra grumbles “Yes, yes formalities, formalities…. Sit, sit…let’s get to it….So what does V want from us?”
She nods curtly, managing a brief smile at Eltra's directness, but is not hurried by it. Moving with purpose, and perhaps a touch of exhaustion, she leans her glaive against the wall, sets down a small sack she’d been carrying beneath it (it makes an audible clink as it touches the floor), then she nearly collapses into the chair at the end of the table, but notably still within arms reach of her weapon.
She looks at Eltra, “Chomping at the bit, aren’t we? I’d have guessed you’d be more interested in the money you were promised. But I’m glad to see such interest in the job - maybe the sales pitch portion of the message I’m bid to deliver won’t have to be so long,” she muses.
“Be that as it may, I am bid to deliver it in its entirety, so let me get it over with, also we can move on to what’s required of you. Then you will each be paid, regardless of what you do next.” She pauses a moment and eyes the sack beneath her glaive before speaking again.
“It may seem like a small fortune - and indeed, I suppose it is to some of you. But imagine what you could do if each of those 50 pieces of gold, AND each of those 50 pieces of silver you’re going to get just for listening to me, was actually a piece of platinum. For those of you that aren’t good with sums, that’s 20 times as much gold as you’re about to get - 1000 gold. Each. I’ll let that settle in for a moment so you can ponder all the things you’d be able to do. And for you to compare those things with what you can do with only 50 and 5 worth in gold, ” she says, then takes a pull from a tankard that Innes, moments ago, arrived to place at the table in front of her, receiving a coin too shiny to be copper that Reyna placed within her hand with a deep bow of appreciation before scurrying away to attend to another patron calling for her.
After setting the tankard down she turns to look at Bree, then suddenly a fine mist of ale is in the air in front of her face, having been aerosolized through her nose as she nearly inhales the fluid with a sudden surprised look. “Gods, damn,” she says, flushing slightly with embarrassment. “I, uhm. It went down the wrong pipe. In truth, I’ve never met one of your kind. I apologize for my reaction. You must be tired of people reacting like this. And I’m normally not so parochial as to be so easily surprised - I’m just… on edge. It’s been a long day for me. Meeting with you was not the only task I was bid to do, and the other proved… complicated. And may prove more complicated yet,” she murmurs, the last part more to herself than. “Anyway - what WOULD you do with that kind of money, I wonder? You’ve got Feywild exuding from your fur… and a little of my ale, apologies again,” she hands Bree a handkerchief made of fine silk. “Keep it,” she says, gesturing for her to clean her fur with it. Then she goes on. “Imagine the freedoms you’d have - I know how much you fey-folk value that.” She turns to the rest of you. “In fact, I’d like to hear each of your thoughts. Call it curiosity - Afterall, if you complete the assignment my employer has for you, we’ll end up working together.”
After wiping her face, Bree uses prestidigitation to clean the last of the ale off of her.
"While I don't care much for money, you are correct that I could use the money for my travels. And if it's interesting I would definitely be up for an adventure."
Reyna nods. "Nice spell, useful that one. And good answer. I was never one for money for money's sake either. If adventure is what you seek, that is guaranteed to happen. Thoughts from the rest of you? I should ask you each for your names, as well. First names are fine. My employer is extremely understanding of the desire for anonymity," she snorts.
Gus looks around the table, "lady knight I am Augustus Leafash, most just call me Gus. I've not really considered the gold, to be honest. I guess, just thinking right off, that amount would get me into a fine school of magic and more than pay for supplies and classes."
"I'm Bree, a sorceress."
Bree looks to the others, waiting on them.
Geren tries to get a read on Reyna. He prefers to get some idea of who he's dealing with before deciding on how to deal with them.
Insight: 11
He pushes aside his empty plate (crumbs all that remain of his sandwich) and lays his hands out on the table.
"Money's great, but I get the feeling there's more to gain here than just that."
"Well met." She snorts, "I'm no knight. Though I served under a knight captain for six years in Amn; and despite nearly dying saving him and his baron from being captured by bandits, the thought of making me a squire didn't occur to them. But then, I didn't want that - I wanted to come back home to the Gate. Nobility in Amn aren't as autonomous as they are in the Gate. Besides, here, title or not, I'm living better than most Amnian nobles do, with greater freedom, and all for just over two years of working for Mr. V," she shakes her head, as if still in disbelief of her fortune. "So, you're in training to be a wizard, hmm? We'll, don't spend anything on a wizard school just yet - if you do this assignment, and sign on with my employer, he'll make sure you're trained alright. He plays down his arcane talent, but he's been training me in mine enough for me to see that he's far more powerful that he lets on. If he takes to you, I'm sure you'll find he's got room for more apprentices."
"Well met," she nods. "The kind of wizard that doesn't need training then," she smiles.
Geren is able to discern that she's not lying about her past. If anything, she's playing it down. There doesn't appear to be a hint of deception to anything you've heard her say so far. Though it does seem as though she is following clear instructions to sell you all on the idea of joining in service to this 'Mr. V' person, it feels as though doing so is something she'd probably do anyway, as she's clearly not unhappy in his service. There does seem to be something on her mind that she hasn't mentioned, but you sense it has little or nothing to do with you all, or your assignment. You also suspect that she's holding out on the 'best part' of the deal - in a sort of "and that's not all..." sort of sales pitch.
As if confirming your suspicion, Reyna smiles at you. "Sharp one. There is indeed. But humor me anyway. What would you do with a 1000 gold? And, your name is...?
Geren smirks.
"My name's Geren. As for what I'd do with 1000 gold pieces, that depends entirely on what's for sale. Stacking up money in a vault's all well and good, but I want more than a comfortable retirement. I've got ambitions beyond just being a sellsword and I'm sensing an opportunity for advancement with your employer."
"Well met. And yes, there is. I mentioned my six years in service to a baron in Amn as a point of comparison. They promoted me in their own way. Before my last battle in their service, I'd been in charge of the keeps men-at-arms, but not their knights or squires. And that was where I'd been for the three years preceding my final battle in their service. There was no more room to rise there. But I wasn't after a promotion then. I got what I wanted out of the arraignment. Like you, I decided I wanted something else after that. Something more than just glory. Security. A livelihood where I don't have to face death in the face once a month. Where having to spend two months learning to walk again isn't a 'workplace hazard'. Where I can make friends again, because they won't all be dead inside of six months. Mr. V. has yet to put me into harm's way without good reason, and without such flagrant disregard for my life the way the Amnians did, nor does he do the opposite and coddle me the way the Fists did, because my mom-… well, let's just say because of reasons that aren’t important. He’s given me my own home - within the larger campus of his estate, straddling the wall between the Upper and Lower city. It’s got its own entrance, its own address to receive mail, running water, and my own servant even - a cook. Because who the hell knows how to cook anyway?” she laughs. "I won't pretend I have any idea half of what Mr. V's wider ambitions are - I don't. But he's got powerful connections on both sides of the gate - upper and lower city. He's on a first name basis with virtually everyone on the list of who you'd want to know in the Gate, hells, the Sword Coast even. Whatever your ambition, friend, its within reach of Mr. V. Mine - I already got it. I was already a citizen, and I don't need a title. But if those are things you want, there's no better first step than meeting him - the citizenship will happen the moment he hires you. Oh, speaking of cooking,” she stops for a moment as the barmaid returns once more with another platter of bacon sandwiches, setting it on the table. Once again, a shiny coin that’s too bright to be copper is placed into the barmaids' palm, and again she bows graciously. As she scoops up a sandwich and takes a bite, she mumbles "Oh, and by the by, your tabs covered."
“Thank you, Saer Nyldar,” Inness says meekly, before returning to the bar - but not before smiling shyly at Gus and his familiar. Reyna catches the look and looks at Gus with an eyebrow raising slightly into an inquisitive arch, giving way into a sly smile. “You realize what that look meant, I hope,” she winks. By the time the question has been asked, Innes has long since departed. “How old are you, anyway?” she asks Gus, suddenly realizing how youthful he seems both in mannerisms and in appearance.
Dawn has been watching the others interact with Reyna, but now it's her turn to respond. "I'm Dawn, a cleric of Lathander. To be honest, I don't what I would do with a thousand gold. Perhaps buy better armor. Perhaps donate it to my temple. Until a few days ago, I didn't have money of my own to spend. So I don't have much practice deciding on my own what to buy."
Eltra rolls his eyes at the mention of not caring about money “I’ve got an easy solution for those that don’t want care for money….Ill hold onto whatever you don’t want. Problem, solution….Eltra, if I’ve forgotten to mention my name….To be honest I hadn’t even thought about pay. I thought this was a one and done pat back to Mr V, but seeing it’s not…..Well I’m here so might as well stay and keep these younglings alive”
"Well met," Reyna nods. "And good answer as well," she reaches reflexively toward her chest as if touching the armor she normally would be wearing. "A good set of armor is like a good lover... donating it, however," she smiles. "You're a better woman than I. You'd like my mother," she says, not unkindly.
"Well met," she smiles at the older gnome, managing to chuckle even. "I like the energy. But as far as meeting my employer, all things will come in good time. He's, a little shy. He only meets with people he's formed at least a certain degree of trust with."
"I'd still like to hear from everyone else, but before your gnomish friend's head explodes, let me answer his question and get to the assignment. Because you won't be able to meet Mr. V. until you've earned his trust - as I mentioned - and this assignment is a way to do that. There may be another after it, or maybe he'll be so satisfied with how it was done that he'll invite you to meet him at his estate after the one job. If there's a second task, it'll likely be something to do with the first - something he may add. Who knows? Anyway! The details," Reyna pushes back her now empty plate, taking a last swing of ale to wash down her last bite of sandwich.
"It falls under a couple categories - one is, let's call it information gathering. If you’re just want the shortest description possible, without the why of it, you have to do two things. One, you need to gather a report on the strength of any lizardman tribes there may be in each of four locations I am going to give you a map displaying - without taking any excessive risks of being caught, count how many unique shamans you see in each area. If possible, note how many warriors as well - shamans and warriors make up about a third of the marsh lizardmen tribes, and they’re hard to mix up with the regular tribesmen; if they’ve got a sword and shield, or sword of any kind - they’re warriors. If they’re holding tridents, with or without shields, and adorned in bone jewelry - their shamans. If they have little to no clothes or adornments, and carry only javelins for weapons, or no weapons at all, they’re regular tribals. An accurate count of all three is useful, but the only thing we have to know is how many shamans there are, with warriors second most useful. Should any of the four areas be absent of lizardmen entirely, explore them as thoroughly as you can, making careful note of anything resembling ancient ruins. You don’t need to record anything on parchment, or even be able to remember anything, so long as you are totally sober and spend at least a few moments looking directly at anything written in a language you’ve never seen, when he eventually meets with you, even if its weeks later, he will ask that you allow him to probe your memory of exploring the ruin, and it’ll be as if he went there and saw it himself, regardless of how poorly you can remember it. So don’t worry about interpreting anything or making sense of anything, just sort of look at everything. Again, only if the area is free from the threat of lizardmen. If the number of lizardmen is small enough for you to find a way to compel them to leave… all the better.
The second thing is lower priority, but still - as you make camp each night, you need to use a device of my employer’s design, to obtain a set of numbers it will display when aimed at the brightest star in the evening sky, at the second hour before midnight, up until the second hour past it. If you don’t have a way to measure time that is accurate to within a few hours, you’ll have to wait for the dawn bell, at castle Daggerford to sound, marking the sixth hour, and turn an hourglass over at that time, making sure to continue turning it over every hour and noting the time. But maybe you’ll be able to ‘divine’ some easier method. Simple as that.
Now I expect you’ll want to know the why of things. Or have other questions. But before you ask, let me mention a potential… resource for you. Crom’s Hold - the Baroness of the hold is a friend of mine. You may have heard of her - Nayeli Goldflower? Either way, Crom’s Hold’s mission has long been, in part at least, to keep the lizardmen tribes of the marshes from expanding into civilized areas like Daggerford. Mention you’re working for Reyna Nydlar, and you’ll get an audience with the baroness. Probably,” she laughs, and but then stops suddenly as she sees several of you have moved your gaze form Reyna, to a new visitor to the table:
Proud, regal even, the woman standing by your table screams landed gentry. Immediately, most of you recognize her to be the Duchess of Daggerford - Morwen Daggerford. In a flash, Reyna is on her feet and facing the new arrival. “Your grace,” Reyna bows slightly, she looks back at the table, and makes a gesture to do something to the same effect.
"Or you could mention that Morwen Daggerford sent you, and you'd definitely be granted an audience," she laughs, shaking her head at Reyna with something resembling a mix of respect and something else... frustration maybe? Disappointment? Or, maybe simply just confusion.
Bree looks at the interaction between Reyna and Morwen too see if she can glean any information as to the relationship of the two.
passive insight is 14 and I rolled an 18 on insight.
Dawn also springs to her feet and bows towards the Duchess. She stays quiet, waiting for the Duchess to give them leave to speak. While waiting she goes over the quest in her mind.