The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Make it fifteen each, or sixty-five for the set of four.  Final offer.

I recommend keeping hold of them, then.  I think even these items are worth more than what they're offering, but I'll leave it to you, Silent.

Silent scratches his beard, thinking hard. We'll hang on to 'em. Thanks for your time, mate. 

To Magnum as they leave: Should we suit up for the road north, then? Seems like we won't be guarding any caravans. 

Sounds good to me.

Before leaving, Silent will look to buy rations to last the trip to the Wuyun Gorge. As he does, he will also ask around about the halfling Hanna and Lord Nefrayne, just to see if there are any rumours or stories about either of these people. 

(OOC: I'm assuming Silent has a rough idea of how many days' worth of rations he would need since he made this journey before from the opposite direction)

Magnum will also ask around about constructs and Nefrayne’s interest in them.

It's about two weeks on foot through the Wuyun Gorge to Trostenwald, the first town of the Dwendalian Empire. 

No-one has heard of a merchant named Hanna.  Lord Nefrayne is wealthy and reclusive, two of the merchants have sold to his estate in the past, but never to the man directly, always to a servant. There are no rumours about him that anyone cares to repeat.  And they haven't heard of him having a particular interest in constructs.

Magnum suggests we head out as soon as Silent gets his rations. 

Silent will purchase 7 days' worth of rations for 3 gold and 5 silver, planning to supplement this food supply by hunting along the way. 

He concurs with Magnum and will hit the road with him after making this purchase. 

You set off together, headed through the Wuyun Gorge and into the Empire.  Or at least, so you hope.

You are only three hours out of the city headed east when three riders on horseback come up the road behind you.  The road is well travelled and other travellers have passed you, so you don't think anything of it at first.  But as they reach you they slow down.  You see a halfling on one horse, richly dressed, and on the other two horses a half-elf and a human, both wearing armour and carrying weapons.  The halfling brings his horse to a trot next to Silent and speaks:

Dear sir, my apologies, and I am glad to catch you before you have gone too far.  My master, Lord Darak Nefrayne, would like to discuss a matter with you back in Nicodranas.  I understand that you spoke with his apprentice earlier - I apologise if he was rude, but I would like a moment of your time to explain.  

Oh, they were certainly rude, but not just to Silent. If you're here to talk about me, address me directly. I am neither owned nor subservient. 

Oh, well, yes, I do see... the halfling peers at Magnum with great interest, but no particular respect.  Very impressive.  Well sir, he says to Magnum after shifting slightly in the saddle, I would not wish to cause offence.  You have my apologies.  My master, however, does wish to... acquire you.  His intent is ownership, but I suspect he would agree to an employment contract if that suits you better.  He has a task he requires you to perform, that is all.  Would you be willing to return to the city for a conversation?

I understand, as a servant, you're probably not at liberty to discuss the details of this...arrangement. However, I do have a question, the answer to which will impact my decision to return. Under what circumstances would anyone need a construct rather than an organic employee? 

Silent watches the conversation with great interest, not saying anything. 

I will admit that my master is... entertained by the idea of owning... or perhaps employing... the only construct capable of speech in Nicodranas.  However, and more specifically in this case, the task required is under the water.  Magics and devices exist of course that will solve the problem... temporarily... but they have proved unreliable in the past.  I cannot say more than this.

Silent, what say you? Willing to have a conversation? 

The half-orc's presence is hardly necessary, the halfing interrupts.  If you are your own person, then there is no need to purchase you from him.  And he is unsuited to the task.  Better that he goes his own way.

Ah, then I'm afraid my answer is no. While he may not own me, he is my friend. And I know better than to go to a secondary location alone. Have a nice day. 

Silent laughs. Tides turn quick, eh? One second I'm a "dear sir" and the next I'm "the half-orc". Is it that hard to respect two people at once? 

He shakes his head with a grin on his face and pulls one of the breathing helmets out of his pack. I got experience using these thingies for breathing underwater, seems plenty "suited" to me. What's more, the two of us work as a team and I don't see how you're going to stop me from following you. 

I see, the halfling replies.  I have come to you at considerable expense of my time, in order to offer an opportunity to avoid certain... outcomes.  Let me now speak plainly.  The young man who approached you earlier this day no doubt appeared to be an utter fool, but I assure you he is anything but.  He merely enjoys toying with his prey before he strikes, and he is very good at what he does.  If you do not come with me now, he and those who work for him will come for you, kill your half-orc friend, disable you and drag you back to Nicodranas in chains.  Please reconsider, both of you.