Jack taken aback at the sudden change in tone, looks at her with contempt. “Lady Ardidd, you should know that we charge extra for insults. We are not common thieves, we do not prey on the weak and helpless for our own material gain. If we did, we would not look like we just walked in from several days on the road. We came here in good faith to help you deal with some scum that murders and robs people. There is a good chance that one or more of us could be killed if we choose to take this job. So please why don’t you show a little courtesy.”
"I'm not sure you're calling a thief... So far you're the only thief I see. Stealing our time with these insults. I'm more than willing to do honest work for pay, which is what I thought was needed here. You need protection or revenge, which is why you need us. But I don't appreciate this type of speech. Where I was trained I was shown to be respectful. Perhaps you never had such an upbringing." Duncan will respond, showing as much distaste as she had in response to being insulted.
((Note: I wrote mine up as Criss did his, so didn't see he said something similar. @JJ. RP it as it makes sense. I'm not sure they'd each say the full thing when both have very similar meanings))
Elber is less taken aback than others. By now he's learned to expect that everyone in this town are joyless and ungrateful bastards. "And the price be no more than the bounty you offer for this Scorpion. By Elron's memory it be the sum of 700 gold coins."
"I have had dealings with your kind before, and if there were an alternative I would never have accepted Elron's suggestion to recruit you. As it is, I must fight fire with fire, and thieves with thieves. Name your price and let us be done with this business. I have matters of great importance to attend to."
Landrae rests a hand on Duncan's shoulder, knowing he would be more offended at the comments than the others, then after her colleagues have said their piece she follows on, as calmly and placid as a lake on a still day, Landrae addresses the lady. "Lady Ardidd, though you may liken us to other rogues you have had dealings with, I would point out that we can liken yourself to other nobles that we have all had dealings with. Whilst we make an effort to be polite and attend to a matter of business you, on the other hand, do nothing to improve our opinion of people in your station. As my colleagues say, we have come to do business with you, not to be talked down to. Were you able to deal with your problems through your friends in the dining hall, you would have done so. You can't, because you are too afraid to lose face amongst them, to show a position of weakness. Thus you need us, and here we are, currently still willing to conduct this meeting in a professional manner."
Landrae takes a moment to pause and let her words sink in on the haughty woman looking to see if there is any change in her tone or body language that might hint at a chord stuck to closely to the lady's heart, then casts a quick glance at Elron hoping to see him looking a little more nervous about the meeting's progression.
Perception: 19 & Insight: 19
Continuing on, "As Elber states, we were advised that the bounty for this brigand was to be 700 gold pieces. Further to this, we will require the use of one of your wagons and some empty barrels or crates marked such that they would be identified as your wares in transit which will be returned upon completion, finally we will require information as to the location of the recent incidents. I am sure one of your servants can arrange all this for us once you have requested it. We need not take up more of your time."
Ardidd regards Landrae with neutrality bordering on respect. "What you say is true.I have no knowledge of the character of you or your companions. My accusations are founded entirely on past experience."
She turns to Elber. "Money is of no consequence. If you do the job you may have what gold you desire."
Kai, your observations procure nothing of interest.
Lady Ardidd leans back in her chair. Elron, silent up to this point, coughs.
"The city watch infers that The Scorpion's camp is located several miles off of the main road, on the fringes of the Emerald Forest. From his lair in the forest he has established a stranglehold on trade in and out of Thithladroth and the surrounding settlements, and merchants that refuse to pay an outrageous toll to his thugs are detained and relieved of their goods. His band numbers a score or so, according to a reliable contact, but they are constantly patrolling the area in scattered groups and you should not encounter more than five at any one time. The reward, as you have so conveniently reminded me, is 700 gold. Any supplies you might need will be provided at no extra cost. Any goods you recover from The Scorpion are to be returned to their rightful owners." She locks eyes with each of you in turn. "You are not to take so much as a spoon. Is there anything else you wish to know?"
“I have a question” says Jack. “You say that they detain people who don’t pay, but Elrond’s traveling companion was killed. What caused them to go from robbery to murder? Is there some history that we need to be aware of?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kai: Perks up on her emphasis on the fact that they are to take nothing. "Lady, Is there something in these possessions which is dangerous? If so, then perhaps you can let us know so that we may recognize it and take the proper precautions."
Kai believes she is hiding something, and offers her the lure of a reasonable deception.
"According to the report that was presented me, Elron's companion offered physical resistance which eventually led to his premature death. Is this not so?" Elron nods sadly in confirmation. Ardidd turns to Kai. "The treasuries of Thithladroth have been emptied through the illegal exploits of this Scorpion. The return of the stolen goods may stabilize our shattered economy."
Kai, as far as you can tell she is telling the truth.
Elber seems content with the information so far and just nods along. He's itching for a chance to teach this one a lesson about judging a bear by its skin.
"Lady Ardidd, thank you. You have our oath that we shall pocket no goods, and do our utmost to see any goods we recover back with their rightful owners. Mayhap, in our absence, you could send word out to your peers that you have undertaken an attempt to recover their wares, and if they were to prepare an inventory of stolen items, we would be quicker able to restore them to their rightful owners, whence we return." Landrae purses her lips, placing a finger upon them and feigning a look of deep thought, though the question has been framed in her mind for some time, "Perhaps, if this Scorpion is causing such an issue for the honest business folk of Thithladroth, you could venture an educated opinion on why Alais and the city watch have not seen fit to undertake a search for the brigand? It would seem to be that this would be causing Captain Alais some chagrin were here citizens to be so troubled?" Landrae pauses, allowing the lady time to respond.
Ardidd lets out a deep sigh. "Alais and her watch have other duties to attend to. Should we extend Thithladroth's forces too far, an advantageous rival would be in position to lay siege to our defenseless city. We are known for our fish, not our army."
Nodding in agreement with Elber Duncan will add "Though I have no problems helping you to return your stolen goods loot, your compatriot here" pointing towards Elron "specifically agreed that our fee would include spoils, as is standard for this type of work. If that part of the deal is changing, perhaps our payment should as well."
"Duncan, the lady has offered to supply us at her own cost. Though you are right that Elron has again mislead us over an aspect of this arrangement, I believe that a fresh shirt of mail from Thithladroth's armorers, or a sharper blade before we go hunting, would outweigh some trivial merchant's goods after the danger has passed. Especially as our most likely place to trade such goods would have been Thithladroth..."
Landrae gives Duncan and Elber a questioning look, "Surely the offer is a fair compromise?" Landrae turns back to Ardidd, "We are able to refresh and equip ourselves suitably for such an endeavour, earn the agreed bounty, and afterwards both parties," Landrae indicates her companions and Ardidd, "are able to win the favour of those individuals who would have otherwise lost their belongings. Do I have the right of your intentions Lady?"
Thinking of how new equipment could be helpful, Duncan will nod in agreement. ((though I doubt I'll get some half-plate or a +1 weapon from her stores :P ))
Jack taken aback at the sudden change in tone, looks at her with contempt. “Lady Ardidd, you should know that we charge extra for insults. We are not common thieves, we do not prey on the weak and helpless for our own material gain. If we did, we would not look like we just walked in from several days on the road. We came here in good faith to help you deal with some scum that murders and robs people. There is a good chance that one or more of us could be killed if we choose to take this job. So please why don’t you show a little courtesy.”
"I'm not sure you're calling a thief... So far you're the only thief I see. Stealing our time with these insults. I'm more than willing to do honest work for pay, which is what I thought was needed here. You need protection or revenge, which is why you need us. But I don't appreciate this type of speech. Where I was trained I was shown to be respectful. Perhaps you never had such an upbringing." Duncan will respond, showing as much distaste as she had in response to being insulted.
((Note: I wrote mine up as Criss did his, so didn't see he said something similar. @JJ. RP it as it makes sense. I'm not sure they'd each say the full thing when both have very similar meanings))
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Elber is less taken aback than others. By now he's learned to expect that everyone in this town are joyless and ungrateful bastards. "And the price be no more than the bounty you offer for this Scorpion. By Elron's memory it be the sum of 700 gold coins."
Persuasion 7
I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.
"I have had dealings with your kind before, and if there were an alternative I would never have accepted Elron's suggestion to recruit you. As it is, I must fight fire with fire, and thieves with thieves. Name your price and let us be done with this business. I have matters of great importance to attend to."
Landrae rests a hand on Duncan's shoulder, knowing he would be more offended at the comments than the others, then after her colleagues have said their piece she follows on, as calmly and placid as a lake on a still day, Landrae addresses the lady. "Lady Ardidd, though you may liken us to other rogues you have had dealings with, I would point out that we can liken yourself to other nobles that we have all had dealings with. Whilst we make an effort to be polite and attend to a matter of business you, on the other hand, do nothing to improve our opinion of people in your station. As my colleagues say, we have come to do business with you, not to be talked down to. Were you able to deal with your problems through your friends in the dining hall, you would have done so. You can't, because you are too afraid to lose face amongst them, to show a position of weakness. Thus you need us, and here we are, currently still willing to conduct this meeting in a professional manner."
Landrae takes a moment to pause and let her words sink in on the haughty woman looking to see if there is any change in her tone or body language that might hint at a chord stuck to closely to the lady's heart, then casts a quick glance at Elron hoping to see him looking a little more nervous about the meeting's progression.
Perception: 19 & Insight: 19
Continuing on, "As Elber states, we were advised that the bounty for this brigand was to be 700 gold pieces. Further to this, we will require the use of one of your wagons and some empty barrels or crates marked such that they would be identified as your wares in transit which will be returned upon completion, finally we will require information as to the location of the recent incidents. I am sure one of your servants can arrange all this for us once you have requested it. We need not take up more of your time."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Meanwhile, Kai baffled by the hostility of the interaction, has been scanning the room for anything which seems out of place
Perception:19
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Ardidd regards Landrae with neutrality bordering on respect. "What you say is true.I have no knowledge of the character of you or your companions. My accusations are founded entirely on past experience."
She turns to Elber. "Money is of no consequence. If you do the job you may have what gold you desire."
Kai, your observations procure nothing of interest.
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
"Then if it please you, any information you have on the Scorpion will aid in his downfall."
I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.
Lady Ardidd leans back in her chair. Elron, silent up to this point, coughs.
"The city watch infers that The Scorpion's camp is located several miles off of the main road, on the fringes of the Emerald Forest. From his lair in the forest he has established a stranglehold on trade in and out of Thithladroth and the surrounding settlements, and merchants that refuse to pay an outrageous toll to his thugs are detained and relieved of their goods. His band numbers a score or so, according to a reliable contact, but they are constantly patrolling the area in scattered groups and you should not encounter more than five at any one time. The reward, as you have so conveniently reminded me, is 700 gold. Any supplies you might need will be provided at no extra cost. Any goods you recover from The Scorpion are to be returned to their rightful owners." She locks eyes with each of you in turn. "You are not to take so much as a spoon. Is there anything else you wish to know?"
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
“I have a question” says Jack. “You say that they detain people who don’t pay, but Elrond’s traveling companion was killed. What caused them to go from robbery to murder? Is there some history that we need to be aware of?”
Kai: Perks up on her emphasis on the fact that they are to take nothing. "Lady, Is there something in these possessions which is dangerous? If so, then perhaps you can let us know so that we may recognize it and take the proper precautions."
Kai believes she is hiding something, and offers her the lure of a reasonable deception.
Insight: 3
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
"According to the report that was presented me, Elron's companion offered physical resistance which eventually led to his premature death. Is this not so?" Elron nods sadly in confirmation. Ardidd turns to Kai. "The treasuries of Thithladroth have been emptied through the illegal exploits of this Scorpion. The return of the stolen goods may stabilize our shattered economy."
Kai, as far as you can tell she is telling the truth.
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
Elber seems content with the information so far and just nods along. He's itching for a chance to teach this one a lesson about judging a bear by its skin.
I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.
[OCC: She could tell me its going to rain golden coconuts tomorrow, and I'd believe her with that roll! :(((
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Duncan would also like to try to get a read on the situation.
INSIGHT: 10
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"The bounty for the Scorpions head be 700 coins. What bounty exists for returning spoils which none can prove ownership of?"
(Persuasion 20)
I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.
"Lady Ardidd, thank you. You have our oath that we shall pocket no goods, and do our utmost to see any goods we recover back with their rightful owners. Mayhap, in our absence, you could send word out to your peers that you have undertaken an attempt to recover their wares, and if they were to prepare an inventory of stolen items, we would be quicker able to restore them to their rightful owners, whence we return." Landrae purses her lips, placing a finger upon them and feigning a look of deep thought, though the question has been framed in her mind for some time, "Perhaps, if this Scorpion is causing such an issue for the honest business folk of Thithladroth, you could venture an educated opinion on why Alais and the city watch have not seen fit to undertake a search for the brigand? It would seem to be that this would be causing Captain Alais some chagrin were here citizens to be so troubled?" Landrae pauses, allowing the lady time to respond.
"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Duncan, Ardidd is being truthful.
Ardidd lets out a deep sigh. "Alais and her watch have other duties to attend to. Should we extend Thithladroth's forces too far, an advantageous rival would be in position to lay siege to our defenseless city. We are known for our fish, not our army."
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
Nodding in agreement with Elber Duncan will add "Though I have no problems helping you to return your stolen goods loot, your compatriot here" pointing towards Elron "specifically agreed that our fee would include spoils, as is standard for this type of work. If that part of the deal is changing, perhaps our payment should as well."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Duncan, the lady has offered to supply us at her own cost. Though you are right that Elron has again mislead us over an aspect of this arrangement, I believe that a fresh shirt of mail from Thithladroth's armorers, or a sharper blade before we go hunting, would outweigh some trivial merchant's goods after the danger has passed. Especially as our most likely place to trade such goods would have been Thithladroth..."
Landrae gives Duncan and Elber a questioning look, "Surely the offer is a fair compromise?" Landrae turns back to Ardidd, "We are able to refresh and equip ourselves suitably for such an endeavour, earn the agreed bounty, and afterwards both parties," Landrae indicates her companions and Ardidd, "are able to win the favour of those individuals who would have otherwise lost their belongings. Do I have the right of your intentions Lady?"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Thinking of how new equipment could be helpful, Duncan will nod in agreement. ((though I doubt I'll get some half-plate or a +1 weapon from her stores :P ))
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM: