Hungry Voodoo |
"But et's me guess. Ye do nay have the coin to be send'n a larger group." Jerrand says after the tale.
Ye be want'n us ta clean out ye vermin fir ye."
"No," Gravlet shakes his head, "We've hired plenty of workers to dig through downslope of the entrance, but with the gnoll raiders and other hazards, it was a failure. Better to clear out the gnolls first. We'd go oursselves, but we're not in the shape we once were." Gravlet pats his bulging belly.
Kipp actually remains lean and wirey, almost undwarvenly skinny, and he gets a bit worked up when Chitleen mentions claims. "We've got claims filed in Katapesh City. We got claims all over the country."
Jerrand Oferton |
"I'd say three percent ought tae do it," Jerrrand says refilling his mug. "Three percent o' all dae sales frum ye mine. To go to dae group fir a far split."
Jerrand can already see himself building a fortress to rival Dirmon-Sigs. That fortress in the Five Kingdoms is the biggest dedicated to the Hand of Iron.
Chitleen Shudra |
Chitleen's composed veneer cracks... but only through sheer force of will does it not split asunder. This dwarf would proffer our service for merely three percent of takings?!? I though that avarice and greed were beholden to their blood - but this one would be parted from his coin purse in minutes amongst the dark markets of Katapesh.
Hungry Voodoo |
Kipp turns bright red and sputters, "THREE PERCENT! We're not offering you a share, you claim jumping-"
Gravlet interrupts, "I'm sorry you misunderstood. We came to Var here looking for adventurers for hire, not business partners. Believe me, there should be plenty of treasure left in the ruins just yours for the taking. Getting the mines going again will take far longer and it'd be quicker and easier for you to just find another tomb to loot."
Cortos the Unbroken |
Right, so, first, I'm no good with numbers, but 3 per cent looks very low, no offense cousin. Second, ye say that ye have claims, but I've yet to see one. Third, I don't loot tombs, I secure them. I'm a mercenary, that's what I do, so I'm gonna be paid for that, and NOT in the leftovers of the gnolls. Ye wanna hire us, hire us for good. Cortos then stays silent, waiting for the two dwarfs to make an offer, and giving the impression that he's not gonna accept spare coppers to put his life at stake.
Daeron Gwadestael |
Daeron watches the proceeding of the two parties with mild interest. Getting himself involved would be a good bout of experience for himself, he figures.
What of other support can you offer us, Master Gravlet and Kipp? Is there any nearby settlements in which we could rest and heal between forays near the mine? Also we would be interested in any early exploration maps you could offer before your expedition ground to a halt because of the invasion.
Sipping his chai, he adds afterwards.
I myself would be inclined to venture in this scheme of yours, but as my life is put on the table as collateral, I would like a personal incentive for me to accept, maybe a few select choice of arcane spells would interest me more than mere gold scarabs instead.
Hungry Voodoo |
"Alright, now we're being reasonable," Gravlet smiles at Daeron. "Unfortunately there ain't much out there. The mine's over a week's journey from Solku. Maybe a few nomads along with the bandits, gnolls, and wild animals, but there's our old encampment near the mine and we can run a weekly caravan to provide vittles and whatever else you need. About anything you can imagine can be bought in Katapesh so if you're looking for spells and such, just let us knnow what you need and we can run and get it for you."
Kipp simmers down a bit and adds, "We got some basic maps of the Grand Transept entry area you can have and we'd be happy to buy that skymetal you got or craft it for a reasonable rate. You aren't going to find many who can work it besides us."
Cortos the Unbroken |
Actually no, I'm not looking for spells and such. But craftin' my skymetal? That's more like it. Let's say that you give us our thousand scarabs each, AND ye provide us a crafted item of our choice for free, made with the skymetal we sell ye. I ain't gonna move my dwarf ass for less than that. A dwarf NEVER accepts the first offer.
Hungry Voodoo |
Actually no, I'm not looking for spells and such.
"I was talking to the elf, obviouly." Gravlet says dryly.
Kipp starts sputtering again, "Free labor! Have you ever worked Adamantite? It's harder than steel, you fool!"
Gravlet shushes him, "Alright, Alright, Kipp. I'm sure we can come to some arrangement. Our normal deal is half the metal worked, BUT I think we can give you a better deal as soon to be associates. We'll be taking a small loss for all the work and materials needed, but we'll drop our cut to a third."
Daeron Gwadestael |
I would see your suggestions as agreeable, but then I would see it in writing as I know dwarves love things to be set in stone, and a written deal is the paper equivalent of it I suppose. Now it is up to my fellow adventurers to decide whether the deal is sweet enough and put it in ink.
Daeron drains his cup and refills it, looking expectantly at the others to chip in.
Chitleen Shudra |
Chitleen, silent up until now during the deliberations, ventures "How sure are you that the job will be finished once these gnoll are dead... surely dwarves do not abandon mines to antiquity merely due to some hyena headed interlopers?"
Attempting to garner if there is more than just the top level foes to consider here.
Pursing lips slightly in thought "For mine I am intrigued, both by your generous offer to work our metal already acquired and the prospect for both an ancient dwarven mine to uncover as well as other items that might be uncovered..." pausing a few moments.
Hungry Skull - how much of the mine does the 5,000 scarabs cover? - just the Transept, or further in as well?
Hungry Voodoo |
"The mines weren't lost to the gnolls. No one seems to know why they were abandoned or at least won't say," Gravlet shrugs. "Some catastrophe that led to a bunch of angry spirits which now includes our old mate Tibbler. Maybe those dark'uns are involved. We just don't know. All we're asking is for you to get rid of the gnolls and ghosts in the upper halls. Hopefully that will clear the way to the mines."
Kipp adds, "Might be something bad down there as well. Hopefully not, but we'll dig that tunnel when we need it."
Chitleen Shudra |
"So to be clear we would be paid 5,000 scarabs to clear the upper halls, and we get first right to claim any and all we come across therein. You also put forward smithing of the skymetal in our possession at a rate of one weight to you for every two to us. And any further agreement or discussion of what lies beneath shall be held over to a later stage. Is that correct?" assuming that a nod is forth coming.
"Well I am inclined to offer my services at the rates offered." with the grin of a cheshire cat across his maw "Shall we commit to scribe?'
Daeron Gwadestael |
I hope you remember to include all expenses for the maintenance of the surface camp on the company too, my friend. I would enjoy every smallest luxury, such as not having to put on watch while clearing the mine shafts as well as hot meals once in a while. I think having a cup of chai between forays would do you wonders as well.
Jerrand Oferton |
Since Jerrand seems out of his elemental at the negotiation table he keeps quite as the others talk. He runs some numbers in his head not really keeping track of the conversation as the others talk.
"Five hundred scarabs for a pound o' metal. Means they pay us wit the first ten pounds. Et's say dey gets a thousand pounds out o' dis place. Din dat wuild o' been (500 X 1,000) hmm... half a million scarabs. And tree percent o' dat??? Fifteen thousand scarabs? Who sed dat me tree little percent be to low?"
Brooding in the corner the dwarf drinks his ale and watches the group haggle.
LoL - I do like the idea of a place to "retreat" to. Maybe we should hire out our own caravan style group to set up near the mine. The dwarves should have miners and such nearby to get to digging once were done, but if not...
Hungry Voodoo |
"Well I am inclined to offer my services at the rates offered." with the grin of a cheshire cat across his maw "Shall we commit to scribe?'
"Aye, that covers it I'd say," Gravlet nods. "We don't have a priest of Abadar present to make it all official, but I could write somthing up and have it sealed once we get back to Katapesh. Our plan is to meet you all in Solku in a month once we have time to get proper caravan set up. We could give you scrip in trade for the skymetal if you'd like to settle that now."
Daeron Gwadestael |
Daeron continues watching as the rest of the group give consent on the current plan. He scribbles a few notes on a slip of paper before handing it over to the prospectors.
For my own requirements I have written down what I hope you would do with my share of the metals. If others would do the same it would make it less likely any specific marking to be forgotten. For instance I would like my daggers with stylized initials of my given name plus a other personalization which is detailed in these notes.
Hope to pick them up in Solku. Daeron wants to buy some spell scrolls too.
Hungry Voodoo |
Gravlet nods to Daeron, "We can certainly make your items to whatever specifications you like. Excellent! Kipp and I will write up a contract this evening and make our way back to Katapesh in the morning. Let's say we shall regroup in Solku in a month's time at the Breakstride Inn. It has been a pleasure to meet you gentleman and we shall see you in the morning to wrap things up."
With that said, Kipp and Gravlet make their way around the table shaking everyone's hands and then depart for their quarters. Var ensures their needs have been met for the night and then returns see if you have any further needs.
Hungry Voodoo |
Var gets you situated in the remaining rooms and you rest fitfully that night. The next morning you awaken to the smell of breakfast. Kipp is already helping himself to the mounds of fried ham and scrambled eggs from eggs bigger than your head that Var has prepared. Everyone seems in fine spirits and Gravlet soon shows up with the finished contract that spells out your arrangement. It specifies your party is to be paid 5,000 scarabs upon clearing the upper hall of bandits, gnolls, and troublesome dead. T&T relinquish their claim to whatever materials you find there.
Once you've had a chance to look it over and sign, Kipp and Gravlet are eager to be on their way. They begin to load up their caravan with the skymetal and say their good-byes.
Daeron Gwadestael |
Daeron readies himself for the day, prestidigitating himself to be presentable and makes way to the dining area. Wrinkling his nose up at the sight of the rich morning meal, he finds himself a half load of bread and sits himself at the table.
Shirish |
Shirish wakes early and spends over an hour running around the perimeter of the walls in her armor, alternating with her shield up and equipped. When she sits down for breakfast, she smells of exertion, and tears into the meal provided with all the voracity of a common soldier, and a slight bit of tact as well.
Shirish glances at the contract the dwarves made, unable to piece out why exactly it exists, then shrugs and scrawls a symbol near the very bottom.
She speaks to Var quietly after. "If you would, listen for who takes my master's stock, so that I can buy my freedom," she asks. "Freedom is only a word, and slave catchers have the benefit of law."
Chitleen Shudra |
Chitleen reviews the contract in detail, occasionally seeking clarification from the dwarves on the legal meaning of specific wording used. Once his inquisitive nature is assuaged he makes his mark.
Breakfast is relatively spartan, once again partaking of merely bread and chai. He remains quiet and introspective, waiting for all of the companions to assemble.
Jerrand Oferton |
After his morning prayers Jerrand digs into breakfast with an appetite only a dwarf could appreciate. He has his helpings and seconds and when he notices everyone else not eating he digs into a third helping of eggs.
* burp* ... AH!*
"Var dat be dae best meal I do 'ave in a long time now." the dwarf says as he leans back his mug in hand to finish the delightful breakfast.
As he digests he looks to the others wondering when they will be setting off and if they have everything they need for the trip.
Hungry Voodoo |
Var looks with some consternation at the elves. "Dammit, don't you bean poles like good food?!" He points a thumb at the mound of eggs, "Do you know how hard it was to get those Axe-beak eggs?! And you're just going to eat bread and tea? sheesh."
In private he reassures Shirish, "Ah, don't you worry, Habibti. You are a valuable asset, but I think those two fine Qadiran horses out there will more than pay for your freedom. Anything left behind by a fallen agent by right comes to the Pathfinder Society, but for your sake, I'm having Gravlet and Kipp get your papers nice and proper while they are in Katapesh City."
Finally, your new business partners are loaded up and ready to depart. Kipp gives a nod as Gravlet shakes hands all around, "Well gents and lady, it has been a pleasure. I look forward to the beginning of a prosperous relationship for all of us. Remember we will see you in a month at the Breakstride. Don't be late!" Gravlet winks and the dwarves and servant make their way through the gate.
After everything has settled down again, Var asks what your plans are.
Daeron Gwadestael |
Ah, Master Var, a necessity for myself to avoid such foods early in the morning as I find that fresh period most conducive for study and quiet contemplation of arcane mysteries so integral for my profession. I could ill afford to upset my delicate stomach with gastronomic complications, fouling the air we breath with mixtures of brimstone gas as I believe our dwarven comrades are excellent at silently doing.
Daeron mentally notes the amount of eggs the dwarven priest has consumed, vowing to stay clear of the inevitable literal backlash soon to come. Dipping his bread in chai and swallowing them soft, Daeron felt a little pang of longing for some properly made Elven toast in which he would procure eggs later.
Giving the official document a second set of eyes at proof reading, Daeron notes the agreement and with a dextrous flick of his wrist signs the document.
A month as agreed, Masters, at Breaktide. Farewell and prosper.
After waving the prospectors goodbye, Daeron formulates a short timetable in which best to spend a month, only to sadly note his diminishing coins.
Hungry Voodoo |
After everything has settled down again, Var asks what your plans are.
"I suppose you'll want to be heading out soon. It will take about a week and a half to reach Solku on foot. Well, for a dwarf anyhow. I recommend you head due north and catch the Pactmaster's road at Sabkha. And if you see any villages before you hit Sabkha, I'd avoid them."
Hungry Voodoo |
Var scratches his chin beaneath his thick black beard. "Years ago there was a settlement in these parts called Mirazha. It was apparently abandoned overnight, but not long after the missing townsfolk showed up dry as the empty oasis they were buried in. I reckon it could have been a swarm of those sandstalkers.
"Anyway folks have begun reporting a mirage of the town and oasis in their past glory. It can't be good so I would advise keeping a safe distance.
"Come to think of it, I haven't heard anything from that group that were exploring the Steps of the Agate King either. Maybe they never made it."
Chitleen Shudra |
Smiling widely and face beaming "But sahib, the bread is quite splendid. And given the proclivity of our dwarven companions to consumption of the heavier fare I would not dream of their deprivance."
Leaning forward inquisitively as Var talks of abandoned villages and steps of kings "But if we were to avoid then there would be no tales to tell upon our arrival in Solku. And it is only a ten-day from here, which would leave us with twice as long to be sullen and despondent as we realize that we are unable to enchant the good citizens of Solku with tales of valor and terror both.... I would hear of this Agate King, what were the group that you sent to do there?"
Hungry Voodoo |
Var chuckles, "Spoken like a true Pathfinder, Chitleen. The Steps of the Agate King is an ancient Osiriani pyramid half sunken in the wetlands of the Sparadyn Jungle. A few years ago a secret entrance was found to teh interior which was quickly looted. There has been speculation that there are deeper levels and that was what my colleagues were researching here. I don't know much more other than the Sparadyn Jungle is infamous for its population of basilisks and you won't be reaching Solku at all if you're turned to stone."
Hungry Voodoo |
Var just shakes his head, "The agents that headed up there were far more experienced than you lot. I'd stick to the plan and just stop at Sabkha to see if there's any news."
You depart later that day after the worst of the heat is past and you've digested your breakfast of bread or whatever. You quickly put the lodge and the Trackless Storm behind you traveling two days through the scrublands and out onto the open plains and apparently the nesting territory of some Axe-Beaks as you notice a pair of the eight foot tall big-beaked fowls charging toward you.
Chitleen 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Cortos 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Daeron 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Jerrand 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Shirish 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Birds 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Init: Daeron, Chitleen, Shirish, Cortos, Jerrand, Birds
I guess that a light meal helps keep you on your toes. birds 120 feet away.
Daeron Gwadestael |
Hold your ground, friends. Let me prepare the environment as to be conducive for the upcoming task. I warn you not to step in the liquefied fat I am about to prepare.
Daeron slips his hand into his spell component pouch before pulling out a thumb coated with butter before he raises his voice in the arcane syllables of magic.
A small 10x10foot patch of slick ground materializes just in front of the group between the incoming Axe-Beaks and party.
Satisfied, he draws out his bow, readying it to fire.
Daeron casts Grease, positioning it to protect himself from a charge attack.
Hungry Voodoo |
The giant carnivorous birds quickly close the gap running on their powerful legs. One lunges at Shirish, but she is ready and easily dodges the oversized beak. The other suddenly slips on the sludgy lair of oil that suddenly appears in front of it. The powerful legs shoot out from under it and it collapses on its side, wings flapping about.
maps aren't loading this morning :(, but you are in marching order- one bird ahead of Shirish, one bird prone and nearest Jerrand. Cortos at the back is a single move from the fallen bird, double to the other.