"Yeah, but like I said, Mairi, we can't do anything at all in our current shape," Briga says. "We need to catch a rest, for sure, but we're just not equipped to be dealing with these kind of threats, period. I was hoping the Order of the Gauntlet would be providing some magical weapons and armor after I got knighted, but no such luck. We've got some major city leaders here. Maybe they intend to open the armory to us, and hook us up with some magic gear, if they want us to stay involved with this. Without that, we're clearly just in over our heads - if that's the case, I'm leaning more towards what Tyrus said. Maybe their professionals, Force Gray or something, will follow up with lead. That construct tore us up, and it seems like the same was happening here with the wererats, no offense to either of you, by the way. It's just how it is. We're literally not equipped for this sort of thing, and the closer we get to the stone, it's going to get harder, not easier."
After a pause, Briga adds, "They also haven't answered yet on the reward you guys asked about. I'm willing to risk my life to aid the people of Waterdeep, that's what a hero does. There's a difference between being an idealist and being suicidal, though. I don't personally care about the reward, but I would need us to be properly equipped if we're going to take the risk. For the rest of you all, Tyrus included, it makes sense that a reward would be needed. They're asking you to put yourselves at risk for something you have no stake in. A reward makes sense."
"I will lend a hand at this, but too would like to know what reward you are offering." Saralyssa speaks up, looking at the map as well. "Seems like there are some very powerful factions looking for this stone, and this will put us fledgling adventurers against them. Seems there should be some aid given or reward offered..."
"Unfortunately, our guards don't use magical items - however, I can offer you a 10% cut of the gold recovered, as payment for the recovery," Laeral says. "All I can offer are silvered weapons, but no magical ones," she tells you.
The Blackstaff nods "Force Grey provide their own equipment, it isn't something I give them - they come with that themselves," she explains. "Force Gray are a group of adventurers, after all - and are technically independent of the city but work for the city if that makes sense," she continues.
"Unfortunately, our guards don't use magical items - however, I can offer you a 10% cut of the gold recovered, as payment for the recovery," Laeral says. "All I can offer are silvered weapons, but no magical ones," she tells you.
The Blackstaff nods "Force Grey provide their own equipment, it isn't something I give them - they come with that themselves," she explains. "Force Gray are a group of adventurers, after all - and are technically independent of the city but work for the city if that makes sense," she continues.
Briga looks to the others. "What do you think? Sara, you nearly died today. 10% of that kind of money is still a lot of money, but it also means risking death. On getting equipped, Silvered weapons are better than standard issue if we run up against more things like Wererats, but not ideal. Would we also get access to normal equipment and armor to use? I assume the armory has a suit of half-plate, for example. The others might also need better armor and silvered weapons, or silvered ammo for those who prefer picking targets off from a distance."
Briga looks to Tyrus, Sara and Mairi to handle the "proper bargaining."
(OOC - Unless Tyrus wants to throw a bardic Mairi's way as well as some help for any persuasion roll that might be needed, assuming the below is her setting up help for one made by him.)
Though put off by Briga's reaffirmation, Mairi pouted and looked away, but held her tongue. Her pouting comes to an abrupt end when Laeral speaks, reminding her swiftly of the two powerful entities in the room, and of manners due in their presence. So, she straightened up, and put back on her pure professional demeanor. Thus, by the time Briga looks to her, she speaks up immediately. "Lady Laerel. Let it first be clear that the faith in us being placed is not under appreciated. Even if circumstances somewhat demanded it to some extent." She smiled somewhat on the rueful side.
"However, this request is an extraordinaire one that has so many forces tied up in it. Dangerous forces. And while Force Grey has the benefit of 'acquiring' better armaments as they go, the same is not expected for us. Unless given jurisdiction to, we cannot go around willy nilly 'keeping' what we find during our investigation. We've already been somewhat 'pressed' to hand over one such item as-is." She expresses. "So, if only on a temporary basis, can you extend the issuing of other 'mundane' armaments beyond just silvered weapons. This is -with- the understanding that upon completion of this request, the armaments issued are to be returned and any damage dealt to it paid for out of our reward? And if half-plate is a bit much, even if only the one, then can it at least standard city watch guard armaments be issued to us?" She asked politely.
"Secondly, in regards to the rewards... I do not meant to sound greedy, but are you willing to make it 12 percent, at least? I'm well aware that it is a large sum of money as-is even once divided. Enough that, even someone living in this wonderful city of ours, could live relatively well for a good decade if they invest the coin properly!" She adds, hands splayed out in the air above in a 'Ta-da' sort of motion. Then her expression turns serious as she rests them again in her lap. "But, the fact remains that enemies we are likely to make during this whole thing aren't going to just disappear. In anticipation of this ongoing threat to our lives, and the potential quote on quote "advance" pay for any future services we might provide in the future, and you will want our services again, I'm sure, can we agree on a 12 percent." She then looks to Tyrus. "What do you think, Tyrus? That does sound fair, right?"
Tyrus looks around at the ransacked tavern and takes in the current state of Saralyssa, Mairi, Briga, and himself before turning to the Open Lord and the Blackstaff and saying, "We be bloodied and exhausted and, no matter what the promised gold might be totaling, it be not taking away the fact that some of us almost just died and two of our number are missing, maybe dead... Surely ye must be having someone other than us ye can be calling on? What about this Gray Force people keep talking about? Can ye be explaining in simple terms, so that a poor dwarf from out of town can be understanding, why ye two lords of this city be not approaching them to solve this problem?"
[OOC: Tyrus is not going anywhere until he has had a long rest.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
(OOC: @phill Right... you did keep casting spells like crazy, even though we could've short rest. X))
Mairi winces, and for the first time in a while, would look herself over again and grimace. And yet, when she looks up next, her face still seemed to have a somewhat determined set to them. However, seeing that Tyrus had addressed the Lord and Blackstaff, the half-elf bit her lip, and stayed silent as well. Though regardless of their answer, knowing the truth now as she did... She averted her gaze, leery of giving something away.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
After hearing the much more eloquent argument presented by Saralyssa, as well as Tyrus’ practical consideration, Briga adds emphatically, “What they said! Goes double for me.”
"The Masked Lords, the real powers of the city, have given a maximum reward of 10%, I can't offer more than that without first speaking to the rest of the leadership," Laeral says. "We won't be meeting again for about three and a half weeks. However, we feel that with those people looking for the gold, that time isn't available and expect something to happen within the next three days," Laeral explains. "I am not allowed to offer more, as much as I wish I could," she says apologetically.
"As for the armoury, there are mundane weapons and armour available, but nothing magical, as I said. Not even our captains have a magical sword, but a standard half-plate should be no trouble to arrange," she adds. "As for Force Grey, Vajra - maybe you can talk to them?"
"Force Gray has been called out on another mission right now, something to do with a missing city - their going to investigate to make sure the cause is not something we have to worry about, considering it only happened a few miles away. That is why I wish to make you all members of the Gray Hands, sort of like the... trainee Force Gray, so to speak, so in a way... if you accept... I will be asking my people," Vajra shrugs. "As for the thing the guards took away from you, you better be happy they did - I had a look at that necklace and it was cursed," she says "well, I'll leave you to it, I have got some work to do," she says quickly, not giving people time to respond about the curse before disappearing in a flash of blue light.
"I do apologize about her, she can be... direct sometimes," Laeral explains.
Miairi opened her mouth, looking as if she might have something to add; but, after a moment's pause, she clams up and shakes his her head. "It's alright, Lady Laeral. It's actually a relief, considering the usual I've had the pleasure to deal when it comes to the... a-anyways! If you have a chance to speak with her later, do send her my apologies. For I do not think I'll be joining Force grey, though the offer is appreciated." She admits.
"Be -that- as it may, where and when can we expect the armaments?"She adds. Once she had her answers, she nods, and climbs out of her seat. "Well, now that that's settle, if there's nothing more, and seeing as we won't be able to make a 'move' just yet, I think I'll head home for the day."
Briga tries to keep composed, but she is inwardly very excited. They may not have magic weapons and armor on the way, but with proper equipment including silvered weapons for all of them, and being made members of Force Gray, a group she had idolized as heroes, she is elated. “That’s ok, she’s a busy lady. Uh, should I go to the armory then to pick up what we need? Do we get official Force Gray Junior badges or Young Force Gray Emblems or something? Or just, like, a letter making it official? I’d love to meet the rest of the crew when they’re back from figuring out where that missing city went.”
"Gray hands then huh?" Saralyssa says after the Blackstaff vanished. "Not a bad thing there I would say..." She nods to the Open Lord. "I only have a few items I would like from the armory and will work that out with whomever we should speak to on it, assuming it is something you shouldn't bother yourself with."
The Blackstaff seemed to be genuine when she said about the curse. "That will be up to Vajra, she is also the head of the Order of Magists and Protectors, but she doesn't give badges, not her style," Laeral says. "The armoury is in Castle Waterdeep, tell them that your there dealing with city business and they can be sent my way, or to the Blackstaff if they cause any trouble. However, that doesn't make one exempt from the law," she added seriously. "Head to Castle Waterdeep on the mountain to the west of the city, that's where the armoury is," she tells you. "In fact, I'll make sure Sergeant Crawley is there to escort you," she adds.
Tyrus speaks to the Open Lord: "Lady Laeral," he begins, haltingly. "Do you believe the person who just left, the supposed Blackstaff, was who she says she was..."
He pause for a moment before adding, "Now, I may be just be a paranoid dwarf, but she didn't be knowing that she had already told us—that be Briga and I—about this mysterious stone of Golorr. And, she now tells us that the necklace, that I be already identifying is cursed, whereas I be detecting no such thing... Also, the idea that it be cursed seems to be unlikely, seeing as the construct not only used it, but lost it, whether it wanted be rid of it or not... I also be thinking her leaving was a bit sudden, as if she be afraid of being caught out in a lie."
Having braved his concerns, he then asks, "Despite the exhibition of her power, could we have been talking with a false Blackstaff?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist) Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon. The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
“It’s true, Blackstaff did come to Tyrus and me once before and already dropped some of this information on us,” Briga says. “Maybe she’s being cagey to keep that on the down low, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense, if we’re all to be in the know, now. The necklace thing is confusing, too, it’s either cursed or it’s not.”
Briga then looks to Tyrus, clearly confused, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Then again, why imitate the Blackstaff? And give mostly accurate information? The necklace made fireballs, we knew that. If it had the stone of Golor then one of us would have known at the time and written something down or done something other than just hand the necklace over, right? And if it doesn’t, what’s the point of the ruse about the necklace? I don’t get what their agenda would be, y’know?”
"Yeah, but like I said, Mairi, we can't do anything at all in our current shape," Briga says. "We need to catch a rest, for sure, but we're just not equipped to be dealing with these kind of threats, period. I was hoping the Order of the Gauntlet would be providing some magical weapons and armor after I got knighted, but no such luck. We've got some major city leaders here. Maybe they intend to open the armory to us, and hook us up with some magic gear, if they want us to stay involved with this. Without that, we're clearly just in over our heads - if that's the case, I'm leaning more towards what Tyrus said. Maybe their professionals, Force Gray or something, will follow up with lead. That construct tore us up, and it seems like the same was happening here with the wererats, no offense to either of you, by the way. It's just how it is. We're literally not equipped for this sort of thing, and the closer we get to the stone, it's going to get harder, not easier."
After a pause, Briga adds, "They also haven't answered yet on the reward you guys asked about. I'm willing to risk my life to aid the people of Waterdeep, that's what a hero does. There's a difference between being an idealist and being suicidal, though. I don't personally care about the reward, but I would need us to be properly equipped if we're going to take the risk. For the rest of you all, Tyrus included, it makes sense that a reward would be needed. They're asking you to put yourselves at risk for something you have no stake in. A reward makes sense."
"I will lend a hand at this, but too would like to know what reward you are offering." Saralyssa speaks up, looking at the map as well. "Seems like there are some very powerful factions looking for this stone, and this will put us fledgling adventurers against them. Seems there should be some aid given or reward offered..."
"Unfortunately, our guards don't use magical items - however, I can offer you a 10% cut of the gold recovered, as payment for the recovery," Laeral says. "All I can offer are silvered weapons, but no magical ones," she tells you.
The Blackstaff nods "Force Grey provide their own equipment, it isn't something I give them - they come with that themselves," she explains. "Force Gray are a group of adventurers, after all - and are technically independent of the city but work for the city if that makes sense," she continues.
(OOC: 10% = 50,000 gp)
Briga looks to the others. "What do you think? Sara, you nearly died today. 10% of that kind of money is still a lot of money, but it also means risking death. On getting equipped, Silvered weapons are better than standard issue if we run up against more things like Wererats, but not ideal. Would we also get access to normal equipment and armor to use? I assume the armory has a suit of half-plate, for example. The others might also need better armor and silvered weapons, or silvered ammo for those who prefer picking targets off from a distance."
Briga looks to Tyrus, Sara and Mairi to handle the "proper bargaining."
(OOC - Unless Tyrus wants to throw a bardic Mairi's way as well as some help for any persuasion roll that might be needed, assuming the below is her setting up help for one made by him.)
Though put off by Briga's reaffirmation, Mairi pouted and looked away, but held her tongue. Her pouting comes to an abrupt end when Laeral speaks, reminding her swiftly of the two powerful entities in the room, and of manners due in their presence. So, she straightened up, and put back on her pure professional demeanor. Thus, by the time Briga looks to her, she speaks up immediately. "Lady Laerel. Let it first be clear that the faith in us being placed is not under appreciated. Even if circumstances somewhat demanded it to some extent." She smiled somewhat on the rueful side.
"However, this request is an extraordinaire one that has so many forces tied up in it. Dangerous forces. And while Force Grey has the benefit of 'acquiring' better armaments as they go, the same is not expected for us. Unless given jurisdiction to, we cannot go around willy nilly 'keeping' what we find during our investigation. We've already been somewhat 'pressed' to hand over one such item as-is." She expresses. "So, if only on a temporary basis, can you extend the issuing of other 'mundane' armaments beyond just silvered weapons. This is -with- the understanding that upon completion of this request, the armaments issued are to be returned and any damage dealt to it paid for out of our reward? And if half-plate is a bit much, even if only the one, then can it at least standard city watch guard armaments be issued to us?" She asked politely.
"Secondly, in regards to the rewards... I do not meant to sound greedy, but are you willing to make it 12 percent, at least? I'm well aware that it is a large sum of money as-is even once divided. Enough that, even someone living in this wonderful city of ours, could live relatively well for a good decade if they invest the coin properly!" She adds, hands splayed out in the air above in a 'Ta-da' sort of motion. Then her expression turns serious as she rests them again in her lap. "But, the fact remains that enemies we are likely to make during this whole thing aren't going to just disappear. In anticipation of this ongoing threat to our lives, and the potential quote on quote "advance" pay for any future services we might provide in the future, and you will want our services again, I'm sure, can we agree on a 12 percent." She then looks to Tyrus. "What do you think, Tyrus? That does sound fair, right?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Tyrus looks around at the ransacked tavern and takes in the current state of Saralyssa, Mairi, Briga, and himself before turning to the Open Lord and the Blackstaff and saying, "We be bloodied and exhausted and, no matter what the promised gold might be totaling, it be not taking away the fact that some of us almost just died and two of our number are missing, maybe dead... Surely ye must be having someone other than us ye can be calling on? What about this Gray Force people keep talking about? Can ye be explaining in simple terms, so that a poor dwarf from out of town can be understanding, why ye two lords of this city be not approaching them to solve this problem?"
[OOC: Tyrus is not going anywhere until he has had a long rest.]
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Saralyssa thinks the amount of gold is a fair reward, but keeps silent as she hears the others trying to bargain.
(OOC: @phill Right... you did keep casting spells like crazy, even though we could've short rest. X))
Mairi winces, and for the first time in a while, would look herself over again and grimace. And yet, when she looks up next, her face still seemed to have a somewhat determined set to them. However, seeing that Tyrus had addressed the Lord and Blackstaff, the half-elf bit her lip, and stayed silent as well. Though regardless of their answer, knowing the truth now as she did... She averted her gaze, leery of giving something away.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
After hearing the much more eloquent argument presented by Saralyssa, as well as Tyrus’ practical consideration, Briga adds emphatically, “What they said! Goes double for me.”
"The Masked Lords, the real powers of the city, have given a maximum reward of 10%, I can't offer more than that without first speaking to the rest of the leadership," Laeral says. "We won't be meeting again for about three and a half weeks. However, we feel that with those people looking for the gold, that time isn't available and expect something to happen within the next three days," Laeral explains. "I am not allowed to offer more, as much as I wish I could," she says apologetically.
"As for the armoury, there are mundane weapons and armour available, but nothing magical, as I said. Not even our captains have a magical sword, but a standard half-plate should be no trouble to arrange," she adds. "As for Force Grey, Vajra - maybe you can talk to them?"
"Force Gray has been called out on another mission right now, something to do with a missing city - their going to investigate to make sure the cause is not something we have to worry about, considering it only happened a few miles away. That is why I wish to make you all members of the Gray Hands, sort of like the... trainee Force Gray, so to speak, so in a way... if you accept... I will be asking my people," Vajra shrugs. "As for the thing the guards took away from you, you better be happy they did - I had a look at that necklace and it was cursed," she says "well, I'll leave you to it, I have got some work to do," she says quickly, not giving people time to respond about the curse before disappearing in a flash of blue light.
"I do apologize about her, she can be... direct sometimes," Laeral explains.
Seeing if Vajra is lying about Curse?: 4.
Miairi opened her mouth, looking as if she might have something to add; but, after a moment's pause, she clams up and shakes his her head. "It's alright, Lady Laeral. It's actually a relief, considering the usual I've had the pleasure to deal when it comes to the... a-anyways! If you have a chance to speak with her later, do send her my apologies. For I do not think I'll be joining Force grey, though the offer is appreciated." She admits.
"Be -that- as it may, where and when can we expect the armaments?" She adds. Once she had her answers, she nods, and climbs out of her seat. "Well, now that that's settle, if there's nothing more, and seeing as we won't be able to make a 'move' just yet, I think I'll head home for the day."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Briga tries to keep composed, but she is inwardly very excited. They may not have magic weapons and armor on the way, but with proper equipment including silvered weapons for all of them, and being made members of Force Gray, a group she had idolized as heroes, she is elated. “That’s ok, she’s a busy lady. Uh, should I go to the armory then to pick up what we need? Do we get official Force Gray Junior badges or Young Force Gray Emblems or something? Or just, like, a letter making it official? I’d love to meet the rest of the crew when they’re back from figuring out where that missing city went.”
[OOC: I would like Tyrus to also make an Insight check regarding the Blackstaff's statement about the curse: 23 ]
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
"Gray hands then huh?" Saralyssa says after the Blackstaff vanished. "Not a bad thing there I would say..." She nods to the Open Lord. "I only have a few items I would like from the armory and will work that out with whomever we should speak to on it, assuming it is something you shouldn't bother yourself with."
The Blackstaff seemed to be genuine when she said about the curse. "That will be up to Vajra, she is also the head of the Order of Magists and Protectors, but she doesn't give badges, not her style," Laeral says. "The armoury is in Castle Waterdeep, tell them that your there dealing with city business and they can be sent my way, or to the Blackstaff if they cause any trouble. However, that doesn't make one exempt from the law," she added seriously. "Head to Castle Waterdeep on the mountain to the west of the city, that's where the armoury is," she tells you. "In fact, I'll make sure Sergeant Crawley is there to escort you," she adds.
"Thank you my lady." Saralyssa says, giving a bow of respect to the Open Lord.
Tyrus speaks to the Open Lord: "Lady Laeral," he begins, haltingly. "Do you believe the person who just left, the supposed Blackstaff, was who she says she was..."
He pause for a moment before adding, "Now, I may be just be a paranoid dwarf, but she didn't be knowing that she had already told us—that be Briga and I—about this mysterious stone of Golorr. And, she now tells us that the necklace, that I be already identifying is cursed, whereas I be detecting no such thing... Also, the idea that it be cursed seems to be unlikely, seeing as the construct not only used it, but lost it, whether it wanted be rid of it or not... I also be thinking her leaving was a bit sudden, as if she be afraid of being caught out in a lie."
Having braved his concerns, he then asks, "Despite the exhibition of her power, could we have been talking with a false Blackstaff?"
---
Tyrus Mountson: Lvl 3 Dwarvish Bard; Waterdeep Campaign (Dragon Heist)
Nanoc the Younger: Semi-retired Lvl 2 Rogue / Level 2 Barbarian Human; The Knuckle, Mror Holds, Ebberon.
The Honourable Jaden Fellan: Level 3 Human Eldritch Knight; Band of Sunswall
AKA: Phillip Berrie: writer, editor and academic thrillseeker—a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
“It’s true, Blackstaff did come to Tyrus and me once before and already dropped some of this information on us,” Briga says. “Maybe she’s being cagey to keep that on the down low, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense, if we’re all to be in the know, now. The necklace thing is confusing, too, it’s either cursed or it’s not.”
Briga then looks to Tyrus, clearly confused, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Then again, why imitate the Blackstaff? And give mostly accurate information? The necklace made fireballs, we knew that. If it had the stone of Golor then one of us would have known at the time and written something down or done something other than just hand the necklace over, right? And if it doesn’t, what’s the point of the ruse about the necklace? I don’t get what their agenda would be, y’know?”