The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

Balasar just shakes his head “No, I think he is more asking for us to act as a mercenary group supported by the empire. Though if we were to say no to his offer, we might encounter trouble down the line.”

No, the Starosta says, actually you both have it right.  We cannot allow you to wander out of town and go about your business as you might wish.  The Empire's and Felderwin's need is too great.  And the security risk of... 'unattached' mercenary groups is too great. 

I am offering you the same as I will offer any similar group that comes our way.  A contract of employment.  For the duration of the war, you will function as a semi-official arm of the Crownsguard.  An irregular unit, if you will.  You will be tasked with dealing with matters that the Crownsguard is unable to do, because of their increased duties elsewhere.  For example, he says with a small smile, if any more bands of undead should go galloping through the streets, we will likely ask you to go and chase them.  We already have work for you in fact... these stories of giants in the east, most likely nonsense, but they must be investigated.

If you refuse, I will conscript you nonetheless.  Same job, less pay.  Sorry to be so direct, but this is a war, and I am not much concerned with your sensibilities.  

Balassar just grumbles for a moment as he looks at Wash “Just when we thought we were out, they pull us back in. Well if the choice is do the job with more money over do the job with less money, I’ll take do the job with more money.” He just looks at his companions and then back to the starosta “You at least have me willing to help out, my companions will need to make their own minds up about this though.”

Silent chuckles hollowly. That's a lotta trust to be puttin' on a few random drifters. How d'you know we won't take your coin and run? Hell, how d'you know we're loyal to your cause?

Some of you are more drifters than others, the Starosta replies directly to you, Silent.  Let us consider your trustworthiness first. I have reports from Hupperdook about the actions of at least part of your group.  I have evidence that you all conducted yourselves honestly in the matter of a map theft.  I know that you have lived lawfully and under the restrictions imposed on you during the last fourteen days.  And I know that if you run, I can use the money I would have paid you to hire other mercenaries to track you down and bring me your heads.  

The Starosta's tone, which had been rather amical at the start of this statement, becomes a little harsher at its conclusion: As to the cause of the Empire, we are now in a time of war, young man, and disloyalty might be viewed as treason.  I advise you to be loyal to our cause or loyal to our coin.  Either will do.

Silent maintains eye contact with the Starosta and eventually nods. Fair enough - desperate times and all that. He glances around at the others, waiting for them to offer their opinions before saying anything further he might regret. 

Alton thinks for a moment about their situation, "It appears we aren't given much of a choice here. Although, with resources and able bodies going to a war effort the people of the Empire are going to be in short supply of help." He stretches in his chair and brushes his clothes with his hands, "It would be a real shame if bandits or other nefarious creatures took advantage of the situation once word started spreading. Having a roaming band of adventures of good intent wouldn't be such a bad idea, huh?" 

Persuasion: 13 just in case. 

Wash indicates "as a former conscript, I would much prefer to at least pretend that re-joining the military was by choice. I have assisted the Crownsguard before and would be willing to do so again as long as what you ask of us aligns with my moral compass. If you have us saving villages from undead and investigating stories of giants terrorising the countryside, then I think that our goals are wholly aligned."

Wash goes to address the threat made and the incorrect assumption that they are armed mercenaries, but holds his tongue.

[Did Trogdor's rolls earlier reveal any information.]

What if I refuse the offer and relinquish my weapons?  I'm no mercenary.  I was just traveling along the road and tried to help people when they asked.

(Trogdor wasn't really able to hear much, though he was able to see the expression on Art's face during the conversation. Despite the smirk he turned on you guys, he was clearly scared of the elf and didn't speak much except to give short answers.)

Alton, make an Insight check.

To Wash, the Starosta replies:  Believe what you wish.  I have no time for misgivings today.

To Magnum:  And you are not a trained fighter with magic at your command?  Captain Ressin's account of the battle against the undead was quite thorough.  However, if you are willing to put aside your weapons, that would be acceptable.  There is much work to be done in Felderwin to support the war effort.  Once we are certain that the roads are safe, you will be able to leave to any part of the Empire you wish.

Insight: 9

Alton, this is the Lawmaster's house and place of work, but you notice that he's not speaking - the Starosta is taking the lead, which perhaps is not unusual.  The Lawmaster looks - not entirely happy about what the Starosta is saying, though it's hard to pinpoint exactly what the problem is.

Alton glances over at the Lawmaster, around at his friends, and then back at the Starosta, "This is a decision that shouldn't at this moment. It appears a few of us have been rattled by this sudden position. Why not give us a day or two to calm down and talk among ourselves, eh?" 

Balassar looked around and thought for a moment. It was clear that some where hesitant to the idea, but he had seen men like this before. He sighed and simply asked a questions keeping his eyes on the Starosta "Alton, I respect you brother..." he says just keeping his tone calm "but if war is here and we are capable, its is our duty to serve and he won't let us walk out of here without an answer. We just luckily have a choice that people like Wash didn't have in the beginning. I'm not a smart dragonborn sir, but if I may ask have you heard of the Ashstalkers before?"

Alton just shakes his head no, as he isn't entirely sure if the question is directed at him or not. 

The Starosta seems about to speak, his eyes angry, but the Lawmaster intervenes:  A day to absorb the news seems to me to be a fine plan.  Theanor, there's no need for you to remain involved like this, I can handle this group.  I know you have a hundred other matters to attend to. 

Theanor Whisperthin stands abruptly.  At least two hundred, and none of it good.  You get the sense that he's exhausted, but he still stomps out of the room without even a word of farewell.

The Lawmaster watches him leave, and then says in a quiet voice.  A day.  And of course, please do not leave the town during that time.  I will see you here again tomorrow morning.  It's definitely a statement of fact, not an invitation.

Wash says "A day it is then, we will be back tomorrow morning. I have to say that the way that the "request" was put might be what has given us pause. It is not often that one is offered a job, threatened with conscription and threatened with beheading in the same conversation. With no disrespect meant, if the Storasta had just asked for help looking into rumours of giants attacking innocents, I think he would have been met with less resistance."

Wash, the Lawmaster frowns and seems on the verge of saying something, but apparently decides against it.  He remains silents as you all file out.

Balassar just walks and as soon as they are all out "I guess we grab a drink and talk then."

Outside, you notice two things.  First, Art and the elf he was speaking to have both gone.  Second, you see, far up the street, the Starosta surrounded by a group of anxious citizens, and you see other groups of people clustered together, talking in low voices and looking very anxious.  It's clear that news of the war has now spread to the townsfolk, and the mood is one of dread and anxiety.