The masked figure (who you are pretty sure is this merchant named Syndra Silvane) stares directly at Salzar (which is a tad bit unsettling given you can't see their face) and says. "*Heh Hem* The Soulmonger, my apologies, these pipes are not what they *HACK* once were. As for one who is lost in the world of the arcane, the Soulmonger is a *PAUSE* device that seems to be able to capture souls that have died, instead of *COUGH* letting them simply flit about and / or travel to another plane of existence like they normally would. This poses a *HACK* problem because since they are captured, they are unable to be brought back. Nevertheless, that is not the *PAUSE* only problem. When someone is brought back from the dead, the soul is brought back and then kept in the body by the spell, however the spell acts like *COUGH* stitches, holding the soul in, but the spell does not completely repair the tear. This... Soulmonger *HACK* seems to be able to pull on these 'stitches' and suck away at the life force of the soul, eventually resulting in the resurrected beings return to death... which is exactly what is happening to me." They then speak to all of you:
"Now... this Chult as you called it, seems to be some kind of peninsula ringed with *COUGH* mountains and choked with rainforests. Enormous reptiles and an army of undead prowl its *PAUSE* ruins and jungles, and thus expeditions to truly map the inner *COUGH* areas of the peninsula have been mostly unsuccessful past *PAUSE* tens of miles of the coast in some areas. Nevertheless, I have been working nonstop from dozens *HACK* of sea charts, log books, communings, divinations, thousands of gold in resources, and explorer's journals and have created what I believe to be the most *PAUSE* complete map of Chult. I have done what I can to duplicate it, but the sheer amount of research has *HACK HACK* tired me out. Thus I only have enough for one map for every team that is being gathered for this *COUGH* mission. Which brings me to you all, although any other questions?"
"It seems to me it might be best if you were to tell us your proposal in full and then we might be able to ask questions more purposefully. I'm sure Salazar and myself could inundate you with questions about its flora and architecture, and don't even get the bugbear started." Paulo responds.
The masked figure nods. "As you *COUGH* wish Paulo." They then continue speaking. "Based on your work with *COUGH* Zaldara and recovering the information, we believe that *HACK* it would be in our best interests to have you join the factions in this mission. You see, the council of Waterdeep has once again *PAUSE* reconvened to discuss the newest threat that faces us, and they have decided to send many agents to *COUGH COUGH* Chult in order to get to the bottom of this. You will be one of those groups. Obviously, you should not worry about too *HACK* many of the threats, for we are sending adventurers with you who are... a tad bit more *PAUSE* experienced. Those who survived the siege on Zaldara's tower of course... In addition, in order to bolster your forces, we are pairing you all *HACK* up with a familiar face: Callbrax. Along with... someone else, but I shall get to that *PAUSE* later. Since we've filled up the other three *PAUSE* boats: The Nine, The Pinte, and The Santa Marie, you all shall be sailing on The Diviner with him once more.
Once you all get there, each other group should have their jobs, and from there we can decide what your job *COUGH* shall be. Therefore, when you reach the final bastion *HACK* of civilization in Chult: Port Nyanzaru meet with me. I shall be staying with Wakanga O'Tamu. He is one of the seven *COUGH* merchant princes who rule the city, as well as a personal friend of mine. Which brings me to the someone else who shall be *PAUSE* joining you. This is Talin. I believe he shares a common acquaintance with you all: Vencarlo. Of course, upon arriving here and learning *COUGH* of the gnome's untimely death he became very intrigued with this death curse that I informed him about, and has agreed to join you all to research it *HACK HACK* further." She then gestures to someone you did not notice before... ENTER SOG'S INTRODUCTION!
--Introduction happens--
She then looks at you all again expectantly: "Now are there any *COUGH* questions? Oh, and I believe that in addition to the standard *HACK* dire versions of most beasts, there are also some animals called... Dinosaurs."
Talin steps forward looking like he wants to be anywhere else. He shifts his feet and struggles to look anyone in the eye. He holds a crystal goblet in his hands which he turns over and over. He finally, awkwardly speaks in broken and heavily accented common.
Vencarlo, him visit mine tribe. Him, uh, help tribe, uh, escape dragon. Brave gnome. Great gnome. My need him help now. Mine tribe…gone. Souls must pass to new hunting ground. But not. Vencarlo know. Vencarlo help.
Lesley waves and then says, very slowly, “Hello... my name... is Lesley... I am... a wizard...” Lesley pantomimes magic with his fingers, “It is... very good... to meet you. What can... you.”Lesley gestures him up and down,“Do?”
Lesley then turns to Silvane, “I see. Dinosaurs. What a strange name. In goblin, large lizards are called Kaiju. I look forward to seeing these creatures not try to kill us. In any case, you have my support. I cannot allow this chance to save this world go by when there was something that I could do about it. I do have one request however. I would like the supplies necessary to inscribe three 1st tier magic spells into my spellbook. Is that something that you could do for me?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The masked figure nods. "The factions have created a fund with enough to pay *HACK* one hundred gold for each member. However, this money should also be used in order to purchase equipment for the expedition itself.
In a standard journey in a jungle-like *COUGH* environment, it would be helpful to have quite a bit of *PAUSE* food, something that can hold a large amount of water, so at least two waterskins per person, a backpack, a *HACK HACK* bedroll, a water-tight map case could be useful for the transportation of the map that's being given to you, mess *COUGH* kit to eat with, pouches to store things in (you can hold up to six on your person), rope could be useful in some *PAUSE* cases, sacks might be useful, although they do take up hands, so it might be a slog to carry *COUGH* around, tents are always needed for outdoor expeditions, tinderboxes *COUGH* would be useful for starting fires, some form of light source could be useful *HACK* to help see in the darkness, although any light source could also draw attention... Finally, if the light source is a lantern of some *PAUSE* kind, oil would be very important."
“I am Salazar Roaringhorn of Amphail. Shieldsworn to the Lord’s Alliance. I see you well, Talin of… well, the formal patterns of greeting fail when one has lost their Tribe. My condolences,” The noble’s face is genuine in his empathy. “Loss of Blood and Kin is a grave misfortune. The loss of the aid of the Professor also is...” He pauses to dip at his wine, as he searches for a word. “Unfortunate does not begin to cover it. Tragedy? Yes, tragic.
Turning to address Syndra, ”In speaking of aid, Master Merchant, I thank you for providing this map. I have no doubts the handful you have produced far surpass any other in the world,” Salazar glances to Paulo who, having looked over the map gives a nod of confirmation, and continues. “But I cannot believe an expedition equipped with a map, no true path to our goal, and little enough coin to buy horses, much less their feed, would last long at all. You are a Merchant, let us speak of this as business.”
Taking a deep breath, he ticks off questions, “Why the rush, if it is too late for the Professor? You say this thing pulls at you? Does the condition worsen? How rapidly? Is there not to be a contract with terms for completion and compensation? Are we not to be provided a guide who knows these jungles?”
“Horses do not eat thank yous, nor do innkeepers accept them solely for shelter and food,’ my uncle says and he is rarely wrong.”
The masked figure continues speaking. "Ah Salazar... aiding in saving the *COUGH* world is not enough reward for you? I should've expected *HACK* as much. As for *COUGH* horses, why would you need them? You are going into a mostly uncharted jungle, such a *PAUSE* locale would not be a good place to use a creature built for plains and roads.
As for the *COUGH* professor, through several divinations, it has been discovered that *HACK* it takes time for these souls to be completely devoured. Though they *PAUSE* have been stolen and the bodies are unable to be resurrected, I believe that should *COUGH COUGH* someone find this device and then free the souls, they may be able to then be raised. Therefore, it is not too late for *HACK* Vencarlo. Sadly, we currently have no *PAUSE* clue as to at what point certain souls are consumed. As for me, I feel *COUGH* weaker by the day and the priests expect I may only have two months left... if that.
As for your later reward: once the curse *COUGH* has been lifted I shall create several items for the lot of you. Although I *HACK* would do such a thing now, my strength is seeping away from me. Such material things would aid you, but I am sure that *PAUSE* many noble groups would also be glad to partner with the *HACK* Roaringhorns if they had the backing of the Silvane's.
Finally, guides can be found in abundance *PAUSE* in Port Nyanzaru, so you should be able to find one there. Oh, and one more thing... if you truly desire a contract *PAUSE*, I would be more than happy to have my *HACK* agents write one up for you." They then nod, hoping that such answers satisfy Salzar.
“Not Use horses!? I am an Amphailan!”Salazar splutters. “Of course travel on horseback was assumed. It’d be like telling your arcane self that use of magic was not to be assumed. Very well. We’ll make do...”
“As for our jousting around terms of compensation, I’m rather surprised you wouldn’t consider our motivations before pressing us into service. Saving the world is not my responsibility. That is for the Harpers and the Order’s Chevalls. However, Learning that my aunt’s soul could be returned? This has weight. This...” He grows quiet half a second.
“Though on consideration, you likely have assurances from my family already and thought it a foregone conclusion. That’s so... typical."
Syndra’s nod of confirmation has sealed Salazar’s fate. His only way out, is to see this through.
"In that case, my apologies for being obstreperous. Simply have one of your assistants forward the contract to my father. It will give him something to hang on his wall after he’s shipped me one way to the jungle and I hope he’s happy.”
The masked figure stares at Salazar. "Of course. Your uncle was quite... surprised and amused *HACK* to hear of your work with Zaldara, and upon learning *COUGH* of the possibility of restoring them contacted me. I assumed *PAUSE* you would want the states of your kin to be discussed after your... compatriots" They gesture around the room towards the other occupants.
"left, but it seems that now *COUGH COUGH* such matters are null and void." They then look out towards the rest of you. "You should buy and pack your things, you leave *PAUSE* tonight. Meet at the docks in six hours where you *HACK* last left Baldur's Gate."
As she says that, Lesley has already left with his gold and a shopping list. He is running as fast as bugbearly possible to collect an Explorer’s Pack an extra waterskin and five extra pouches. Quite pleased with his total of 12gp and 7sp spent, Lesley also purchases fine transcribing supplies for 50gp and bolts back to his lodging to finish his research on one of Zaldara’s pages. Those that were walking about that day still tell the tale of cackling bugbear that ran through the streets.
“I keep no secrets from Paulo and Lesley is quickly gaining a similar level of trust. Besides, if one of your teams is not successful, my aunt’s disposition is not a private matter as she will soon be gone.
Talin lost in thought and seemingly focussed on the now broken goblet in his hands looks suddenly up as Salazar reaches an accord with Syndra. He seems rather taken aback at the speed at which things have moved.
The wood elf, bemused and confused, receives the coin with open befuddlement and begins to walk thoughtlessly after Salazar.
Um. What these? He opens up the bag of shiny coins for all to see.
"You use coin for the purchase of assets, using leverage to gain advantage in negotiations where items have greater value than the current owner's marginal utility driven by the laws of diminishing retur-"
Seeing that he has lost Talin in the translation issues for Common, Salazar switches to his mediocre Elvish and tries again. "Many persons with much food and tools. You point to what you want. We make them take very few golds and give you food and tools. Yes?"
Salazar Demonstrates as he steps into a shop, writes a short list of supplies on a provided parchment scrap, and then dickers with the half-elf behind the table in common and elvish until the market average price is agreed and paid for:
A Whetstone, Fishing Tackle, an additional waterskin (this with leather straps for buckling to a pack), 3 sacks of jute or burlap, and a map case.
A further demonstration only muddies the water as Salazar sells his old beaten barbarian shield for 5 gold coins, hands 1 back to the man, and then receives a single Javelin and 5 silvers in return.
"It... may take a bit to learn, Talin, but Paulo is an excellent spender, so you'll have plenty of observation in store."
"Such is not the way of things here in the wider world. Your tribe may have been honest and trusted the chief to distribute evenly, but that assumes each tribesman works his hardest for the good of the tribe and that all things can be distributed."Salazar steps aside for a wagon loaded with turnips to trundle past, the ox pulling it chews a rank-smelling cud as it works.
"We still do this to some extent. Many ships work on this principle." Salazar nods to his friend. "He is asking why all in the cities do not receive an equal share." Turning back to Talin, he continues, "Paulo grew up on The Black Orchid and equal shares was ever their policy. Though the Captain, the chief that is, always had first pick. We give to the temples, who look after those who have less, but have worked their hardest. Each man gives a portion to his Lord, who then provides for the defense of the lands where he is responsible and makes sure that, as best as he can, none go hungry. Beyond that, we allow those who work to keep what they make."
"This is because too many here in the cities would not work if they were given the same. Or may only work to take from others, so that they can still have more. In cities where giving-all-the-same was the way of things, some of the peoples, not all but some, no longer worked their hardest. In time there was not enough butter. Too few kine or sow."
Salazar gestures to a market stall where a butcher has an abundance of pork on sale, a young lad chasing away flies with a broom. "I'm explaining that we don't share equally because some would just spend and not contribute..." Salazar offers a bashful grin. "and before you say a word, my puckish friend, the irony is not lost on me."
"When someone tries to take without giving, we stand up to them. Some are humans who are just selfish. Then there are Orcs who take just to honor their god Gruumsh with the Conquest. Zhentarim who take just to have the power and wealth so that others will not. I do not think I need tell you of the stronger, more evil things that lurk in the wildest places, the darkest places, and even the sewers of this city.
Salazar steps into a leatherworker's shop to purchase two additional pouches, one for his diary and writing supplies, another for his flint and tinderbox and other sundries. With some shifting from one to the next, his backpack bulges far less. The tent and rope and bedroll all wrapped in oiled leather to keep them dry makes the entire thing comically large on his shoulders.
And now, we go to find someone or something that is taking souls. That is something where giving-all-the-same should certainly count. It's not a perfect analogy, but..."
Lesley also nabs a candy and pops it in his mouth as he intently listens.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The masked figure (who you are pretty sure is this merchant named Syndra Silvane) stares directly at Salzar (which is a tad bit unsettling given you can't see their face) and says. "*Heh Hem* The Soulmonger, my apologies, these pipes are not what they *HACK* once were. As for one who is lost in the world of the arcane, the Soulmonger is a *PAUSE* device that seems to be able to capture souls that have died, instead of *COUGH* letting them simply flit about and / or travel to another plane of existence like they normally would. This poses a *HACK* problem because since they are captured, they are unable to be brought back. Nevertheless, that is not the *PAUSE* only problem. When someone is brought back from the dead, the soul is brought back and then kept in the body by the spell, however the spell acts like *COUGH* stitches, holding the soul in, but the spell does not completely repair the tear. This... Soulmonger *HACK* seems to be able to pull on these 'stitches' and suck away at the life force of the soul, eventually resulting in the resurrected beings return to death... which is exactly what is happening to me." They then speak to all of you:
"Now... this Chult as you called it, seems to be some kind of peninsula ringed with *COUGH* mountains and choked with rainforests. Enormous reptiles and an army of undead prowl its *PAUSE* ruins and jungles, and thus expeditions to truly map the inner *COUGH* areas of the peninsula have been mostly unsuccessful past *PAUSE* tens of miles of the coast in some areas. Nevertheless, I have been working nonstop from dozens *HACK* of sea charts, log books, communings, divinations, thousands of gold in resources, and explorer's journals and have created what I believe to be the most *PAUSE* complete map of Chult. I have done what I can to duplicate it, but the sheer amount of research has *HACK HACK* tired me out. Thus I only have enough for one map for every team that is being gathered for this *COUGH* mission. Which brings me to you all, although any other questions?"
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
"It seems to me it might be best if you were to tell us your proposal in full and then we might be able to ask questions more purposefully. I'm sure Salazar and myself could inundate you with questions about its flora and architecture, and don't even get the bugbear started." Paulo responds.
“Enormous reptiles? What would be the names of such creatures?” Lesley asks intrigued.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The masked figure nods. "As you *COUGH* wish Paulo." They then continue speaking. "Based on your work with *COUGH* Zaldara and recovering the information, we believe that *HACK* it would be in our best interests to have you join the factions in this mission. You see, the council of Waterdeep has once again *PAUSE* reconvened to discuss the newest threat that faces us, and they have decided to send many agents to *COUGH COUGH* Chult in order to get to the bottom of this. You will be one of those groups. Obviously, you should not worry about too *HACK* many of the threats, for we are sending adventurers with you who are... a tad bit more *PAUSE* experienced. Those who survived the siege on Zaldara's tower of course... In addition, in order to bolster your forces, we are pairing you all *HACK* up with a familiar face: Callbrax. Along with... someone else, but I shall get to that *PAUSE* later. Since we've filled up the other three *PAUSE* boats: The Nine, The Pinte, and The Santa Marie, you all shall be sailing on The Diviner with him once more.
Once you all get there, each other group should have their jobs, and from there we can decide what your job *COUGH* shall be. Therefore, when you reach the final bastion *HACK* of civilization in Chult: Port Nyanzaru meet with me. I shall be staying with Wakanga O'Tamu. He is one of the seven *COUGH* merchant princes who rule the city, as well as a personal friend of mine. Which brings me to the someone else who shall be *PAUSE* joining you. This is Talin. I believe he shares a common acquaintance with you all: Vencarlo. Of course, upon arriving here and learning *COUGH* of the gnome's untimely death he became very intrigued with this death curse that I informed him about, and has agreed to join you all to research it *HACK HACK* further." She then gestures to someone you did not notice before... ENTER SOG'S INTRODUCTION!
--Introduction happens--
She then looks at you all again expectantly: "Now are there any *COUGH* questions? Oh, and I believe that in addition to the standard *HACK* dire versions of most beasts, there are also some animals called... Dinosaurs."
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Talin steps forward looking like he wants to be anywhere else. He shifts his feet and struggles to look anyone in the eye. He holds a crystal goblet in his hands which he turns over and over. He finally, awkwardly speaks in broken and heavily accented common.
Vencarlo, him visit mine tribe. Him, uh, help tribe, uh, escape dragon. Brave gnome. Great gnome. My need him help now. Mine tribe…gone. Souls must pass to new hunting ground. But not. Vencarlo know. Vencarlo help.
Talin looks somber.
Lesley waves and then says, very slowly, “Hello... my name... is Lesley... I am... a wizard...” Lesley pantomimes magic with his fingers, “It is... very good... to meet you. What can... you.” Lesley gestures him up and down, “Do?”
Lesley then turns to Silvane, “I see. Dinosaurs. What a strange name. In goblin, large lizards are called Kaiju. I look forward to seeing these creatures not try to kill us. In any case, you have my support. I cannot allow this chance to save this world go by when there was something that I could do about it. I do have one request however. I would like the supplies necessary to inscribe three 1st tier magic spells into my spellbook. Is that something that you could do for me?”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The masked figure nods. "The factions have created a fund with enough to pay *HACK* one hundred gold for each member. However, this money should also be used in order to purchase equipment for the expedition itself.
In a standard journey in a jungle-like *COUGH* environment, it would be helpful to have quite a bit of *PAUSE* food, something that can hold a large amount of water, so at least two waterskins per person, a backpack, a *HACK HACK* bedroll, a water-tight map case could be useful for the transportation of the map that's being given to you, mess *COUGH* kit to eat with, pouches to store things in (you can hold up to six on your person), rope could be useful in some *PAUSE* cases, sacks might be useful, although they do take up hands, so it might be a slog to carry *COUGH* around, tents are always needed for outdoor expeditions, tinderboxes *COUGH* would be useful for starting fires, some form of light source could be useful *HACK* to help see in the darkness, although any light source could also draw attention... Finally, if the light source is a lantern of some *PAUSE* kind, oil would be very important."
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
“That will work fine for me. Should be enough for what I want to do. Thank you.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
“I am Salazar Roaringhorn of Amphail. Shieldsworn to the Lord’s Alliance. I see you well, Talin of… well, the formal patterns of greeting fail when one has lost their Tribe. My condolences,” The noble’s face is genuine in his empathy. “Loss of Blood and Kin is a grave misfortune. The loss of the aid of the Professor also is...” He pauses to dip at his wine, as he searches for a word. “Unfortunate does not begin to cover it. Tragedy? Yes, tragic.
Turning to address Syndra, ”In speaking of aid, Master Merchant, I thank you for providing this map. I have no doubts the handful you have produced far surpass any other in the world,” Salazar glances to Paulo who, having looked over the map gives a nod of confirmation, and continues. “But I cannot believe an expedition equipped with a map, no true path to our goal, and little enough coin to buy horses, much less their feed, would last long at all. You are a Merchant, let us speak of this as business.”
Taking a deep breath, he ticks off questions, “Why the rush, if it is too late for the Professor? You say this thing pulls at you? Does the condition worsen? How rapidly? Is there not to be a contract with terms for completion and compensation? Are we not to be provided a guide who knows these jungles?”
“Horses do not eat thank yous, nor do innkeepers accept them solely for shelter and food,’ my uncle says and he is rarely wrong.”
The masked figure continues speaking. "Ah Salazar... aiding in saving the *COUGH* world is not enough reward for you? I should've expected *HACK* as much. As for *COUGH* horses, why would you need them? You are going into a mostly uncharted jungle, such a *PAUSE* locale would not be a good place to use a creature built for plains and roads.
As for the *COUGH* professor, through several divinations, it has been discovered that *HACK* it takes time for these souls to be completely devoured. Though they *PAUSE* have been stolen and the bodies are unable to be resurrected, I believe that should *COUGH COUGH* someone find this device and then free the souls, they may be able to then be raised. Therefore, it is not too late for *HACK* Vencarlo. Sadly, we currently have no *PAUSE* clue as to at what point certain souls are consumed. As for me, I feel *COUGH* weaker by the day and the priests expect I may only have two months left... if that.
As for your later reward: once the curse *COUGH* has been lifted I shall create several items for the lot of you. Although I *HACK* would do such a thing now, my strength is seeping away from me. Such material things would aid you, but I am sure that *PAUSE* many noble groups would also be glad to partner with the *HACK* Roaringhorns if they had the backing of the Silvane's.
Finally, guides can be found in abundance *PAUSE* in Port Nyanzaru, so you should be able to find one there. Oh, and one more thing... if you truly desire a contract *PAUSE*, I would be more than happy to have my *HACK* agents write one up for you." They then nod, hoping that such answers satisfy Salzar.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
“Excellent! So there is a way to save those that have been stolen! We must make haste then. We don’t have a moment to waste!”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
“Not Use horses!? I am an Amphailan!” Salazar splutters. “Of course travel on horseback was assumed. It’d be like telling your arcane self that use of magic was not to be assumed. Very well. We’ll make do...”
“As for our jousting around terms of compensation, I’m rather surprised you wouldn’t consider our motivations before pressing us into service. Saving the world is not my responsibility. That is for the Harpers and the Order’s Chevalls. However, Learning that my aunt’s soul could be returned? This has weight. This...” He grows quiet half a second.
“Though on consideration, you likely have assurances from my family already and thought it a foregone conclusion. That’s so... typical."
Syndra’s nod of confirmation has sealed Salazar’s fate. His only way out, is to see this through.
"In that case, my apologies for being obstreperous. Simply have one of your assistants forward the contract to my father. It will give him something to hang on his wall after he’s shipped me one way to the jungle and I hope he’s happy.”
The masked figure stares at Salazar. "Of course. Your uncle was quite... surprised and amused *HACK* to hear of your work with Zaldara, and upon learning *COUGH* of the possibility of restoring them contacted me. I assumed *PAUSE* you would want the states of your kin to be discussed after your... compatriots" They gesture around the room towards the other occupants.
"left, but it seems that now *COUGH COUGH* such matters are null and void." They then look out towards the rest of you. "You should buy and pack your things, you leave *PAUSE* tonight. Meet at the docks in six hours where you *HACK* last left Baldur's Gate."
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
As she says that, Lesley has already left with his gold and a shopping list. He is running as fast as bugbearly possible to collect an Explorer’s Pack an extra waterskin and five extra pouches. Quite pleased with his total of 12gp and 7sp spent, Lesley also purchases fine transcribing supplies for 50gp and bolts back to his lodging to finish his research on one of Zaldara’s pages. Those that were walking about that day still tell the tale of cackling bugbear that ran through the streets.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
“I keep no secrets from Paulo and Lesley is quickly gaining a similar level of trust. Besides, if one of your teams is not successful, my aunt’s disposition is not a private matter as she will soon be gone.
We will see you at the docks in one hour.”
Talin lost in thought and seemingly focussed on the now broken goblet in his hands looks suddenly up as Salazar reaches an accord with Syndra. He seems rather taken aback at the speed at which things have moved.
The wood elf, bemused and confused, receives the coin with open befuddlement and begins to walk thoughtlessly after Salazar.
Um. What these? He opens up the bag of shiny coins for all to see.
"You use coin for the purchase of assets, using leverage to gain advantage in negotiations where items have greater value than the current owner's marginal utility driven by the laws of diminishing retur-"
Seeing that he has lost Talin in the translation issues for Common, Salazar switches to his mediocre Elvish and tries again. "Many persons with much food and tools. You point to what you want. We make them take very few golds and give you food and tools. Yes?"
Salazar Demonstrates as he steps into a shop, writes a short list of supplies on a provided parchment scrap, and then dickers with the half-elf behind the table in common and elvish until the market average price is agreed and paid for:
A Whetstone, Fishing Tackle, an additional waterskin (this with leather straps for buckling to a pack), 3 sacks of jute or burlap, and a map case.
A further demonstration only muddies the water as Salazar sells his old beaten barbarian shield for 5 gold coins, hands 1 back to the man, and then receives a single Javelin and 5 silvers in return.
"It... may take a bit to learn, Talin, but Paulo is an excellent spender, so you'll have plenty of observation in store."
Relief floods through Talin as Salazar switches to elvish The young elf listens intently furrowing his brow in places but clearly understanding.
In elvish: But does the chief not collect all such tokens and then distribute evenly? How do you ensure that everyone has the same?
"Such is not the way of things here in the wider world. Your tribe may have been honest and trusted the chief to distribute evenly, but that assumes each tribesman works his hardest for the good of the tribe and that all things can be distributed." Salazar steps aside for a wagon loaded with turnips to trundle past, the ox pulling it chews a rank-smelling cud as it works.
"We still do this to some extent. Many ships work on this principle." Salazar nods to his friend. "He is asking why all in the cities do not receive an equal share."
Turning back to Talin, he continues, "Paulo grew up on The Black Orchid and equal shares was ever their policy. Though the Captain, the chief that is, always had first pick. We give to the temples, who look after those who have less, but have worked their hardest. Each man gives a portion to his Lord, who then provides for the defense of the lands where he is responsible and makes sure that, as best as he can, none go hungry. Beyond that, we allow those who work to keep what they make."
"This is because too many here in the cities would not work if they were given the same. Or may only work to take from others, so that they can still have more. In cities where giving-all-the-same was the way of things, some of the peoples, not all but some, no longer worked their hardest. In time there was not enough butter. Too few kine or sow."
Salazar gestures to a market stall where a butcher has an abundance of pork on sale, a young lad chasing away flies with a broom. "I'm explaining that we don't share equally because some would just spend and not contribute..." Salazar offers a bashful grin. "and before you say a word, my puckish friend, the irony is not lost on me."
"When someone tries to take without giving, we stand up to them. Some are humans who are just selfish. Then there are Orcs who take just to honor their god Gruumsh with the Conquest. Zhentarim who take just to have the power and wealth so that others will not. I do not think I need tell you of the stronger, more evil things that lurk in the wildest places, the darkest places, and even the sewers of this city.
Salazar steps into a leatherworker's shop to purchase two additional pouches, one for his diary and writing supplies, another for his flint and tinderbox and other sundries. With some shifting from one to the next, his backpack bulges far less. The tent and rope and bedroll all wrapped in oiled leather to keep them dry makes the entire thing comically large on his shoulders.
And now, we go to find someone or something that is taking souls. That is something where giving-all-the-same should certainly count. It's not a perfect analogy, but..."