Karo smiles at Chloe. That is very good of you Chloe, when Corbyn is ready, let us be off to find some merchants to sell these goods. I think I will purchase a scale, I've been wanting one to aid in my studies and it will help us ascertain the value of that platinum. He says, whispering the final word.
Sarusa leads the prisoners onward to the Garrison. "See you at the Inn! Uh, the Rusty Dragon, yes?"
"The Rusty Dragon? ...I can remember that," Chloe agrees, giving a small wave whilst completely unaware of Corbyn's motioning. She follows after Karo simply because she realizes her group is making a general move.
"Certainly smells better than Beacon's Point... out here... been in Magnimar for a while now... forget that there are places where they don't-don't throw refuse in the streets, sometimes."
She scratches her head and makes a wistful sigh.
"Hope Old Jedah has been remembering to drop by Ledur's shack to give her clean water while I'm away... Poor man can barely move, though there's not much I can do for him..."
"NOOOOOOOOO!!! CORBYN, DON'T LEAVE ME!!!
As Corbyn drives the wagon away, Tekk watches as the group moves out of hearing distance. Walking up to the horse, Tekk gently pats Plod on the neck, "Don't worry, Plod. Uncle Tekkis will get you some nice apples, or maybe some carrots, while Corbyn is off."
Morin will extract his finger and join Sarusa and Tekkis in going to see the sheriff.
Well, Chloe, Corbyn, shall we be off? Let's go find someone who might be interested in relieving us of some of this..burden. Karo say with a slight grin.
Your group makes its way up market street to the Sandpoint Mercantile League. A stylized merchant's scale hangs above the awning, and a copper plaque next to the fine, wooden door reads "Est. 4667 AR, Deverin, Kaijitsu, Scarnetti, Valdemar."
Inside, well polished wood and mirrored stand-lamps give an air of profitable business. Four windows, each with a noble's crest above it, allow additional light into the room, which houses eight desks in ordered rows. An earnest looking man and women sits at most of them, diligently scratching away into hefty ledgers. Wooden cabinets line the walls, and a single door leads to the recesses in the back. The scribe nearest to the door looks up from his desk and takes in Corbyn's hooded form, Chloe's disheveled hair and clothes, and Karozekas' fey aspect before returning to his work.
Tavern's back on the other side of the street, he says dismissively. I trust you can find your own way out.
The rest of you continue up Market street, stopping at the Market square where Tekkis procures an apple and some carrots from a nearby vendor for the grateful Plod for a few coppers. Just past the market, you turn up Main, past the Turandarok academy and you are forced to slow your pace as a half-orc with a cart full of dung slowly sweeps the cobblestones ahead of you. With a sneer for Tekkis and the rest of you as well, he finally allows you past. At the gates of the Garrison, you are stopped by a pair of watchmen. The sergeant, a broad man of middling height with more hair on his cheeks than on the top of his head asks you, What's all this then? They sick? If so, take'm over to Hannah's. Down by the docks, back o'the Shipyard.
Morin looks up at the sergeant and says "Aye, man, they're sick, but not in the way you mean. These men were part of a bunch that attacked me and my friends on the Magnimar road yesternoon. We'd like a moment of the sheriff's time, got a few things to tell 'im, might be best if we didn't do it here in the road."
I'm afraid you mistake us. We are looking to sell some goods. We assumed this was the place to bring our business. Karo says, ignoring the implied insult.
"Not to mention... that it's a little too early in the day, right...?"Chloe adds, removing her goggles and smiling, though again, she wasn't so much facing the grumpy scribe so much as the corner of his desk.
"The sooner we start this... the sooner we can have it done, or at least... you could be so good as to tell us where we can sell a sizeable haul, if not to you...?"
Surely you would interested in a chance to increase your profits by obtaining some goods of ours?
Best you and your friends come in then, Master...? The sergeant leaves the question of your names hanging in the air. You'll have to leave your weapons with your cart, regulations I'm afraid, he says in a genuinely apologetic tone as he leads the three of you and the wagon into a large, covered antechamber. Murderholes dot the ceiling, and arrow slits are spaced evenly along the walls, in this small but formidable keep. Your effects will be safe in here, I'll have the lads keep an eye on them and these attackers of yours while we talk to the Sheriff. With a good-natured chuckle for Tekkis he says, Although, by the size of you, you probably do considerable damage with or without that great big mallet.
He waits patiently before a locked portcullis for you to divest yourselves of your arms.
The man puts his quill down and looks you three over appraisingly, Goods, you say? I assume these are trade goods, of merchantable quality? I must ask, and, please understand that we are not a pawn shop, but traders of the highest caliber. I apologize if I gave any offense, but you would not believe some of the grave robbers we get wandering in here to try to unload some treasure they looted off a corpse. We also do business in deeds in land, titles, easements, warrants, assigns testaments and other various and sundry matters should you have needs of that sort.
"Mistress Almanthis," says Sarusa, divesting herself of weaponry and shrugging in her armor. "Gellig. Stay."
Gellig hops nimbly into the cart without causing it to shake or rattle a bit.
"...I think the spices, silk, and wine we've brought count as actual goods, but do you mean someone... looted a consecrated grave site...? That's sad."
Chloe cocks her head sideways.
"Adventurers do take from... monsters, bandits, and such, but... there's a wide variety of us, s-so no offense taken, mind."
Tekk hands over his weapons without complaint with a slight smile. "Tekkis Smalltooth, and thank you for letting us speak with the Sheriff. I fear he will not like the news we bear." the half-orc says with a slight bow.
"Sir, we're a group traveling uplands on business out of Magnimar. During our journey, we encountered these fellows, along with a few others, who had set up an ambush on the road south of here. They attacked us, but we managed to defeat them, killing some, but capturing these two. We want to turn them over, make statements, and provide some information about their other victims who were not fortunate enough to survive past encounters."
The Shoanti sheriff looks up from behind his desk as Sarusa, Morin and Tekkis enter his office. The walls are stone, unadorned but for a massive club, much too large to be wielded by a man, flanked by cleavers on long poles with pieces of metal punched out. The sheriff himself is approaching his middle years, but clearly still in top physical condition, with a clean-shaven head, and the dusky skin of his people.
What's this, Feldrin? he asks the sergeant as you enter. Ah, these are Mistress Almanthis, Master Smalltooth, and Master Tidelock, Sheriff Hemlock. the balding watchman replies. They're up from Magnimar, brought in some prisoners they took on the road.
After Tekkis says his peace, the sheriff nods grimly and sends the sergeant out to summon a scribe. A mousy young woman returns shortly and renders a faithful account of what transpired on the road based on your statements, as well as your exploration of the barn and the abandoned farmhouse. When you have all had your say, a process that takes the better part of an hour, the sheriff has each of you make your mark on the affidavit, after which he and the sergeant sign as witnesses. Finally the scribe stamps a seal on the bottom with a piece of wax and takes her leave.
We'll send them down to Magnimar with the next caravan. the sheriff says when the formalities have concluded. There'll be a noose for them down there. I'd hang them myself, but we'd have to wait for the noble families to convene a panel, and frankly, I don't want to feed this filth for that long. He sighs, then continues You have my thanks for what you've done though. Hopefully it'll be a while before the next nest of vipers plagues that road. Never seems long enough though. Anyway, where are you folk headed? Anything I can do for you before you're on your way?
"Sheriff Hemlock, well met, and we thank you as well for taking those ruffians off our hands. We're up to Galduria, and onwards up the Lampblack River. There appears to be a revenue issue with a town up in those parts. Do you have any word from travelers along those routes about conditions, difficulties, banditry...?" Sarusa cocks an eye at the gigantic club, guessing what might have wielded it.
The scribe, who introduces himself as Bleyvthine, follows Chloe and Karozekas out to the wagon where Corbyn keeps watch over the goods. He pulls out a small pad and a slim pencil and begins to tally the wares available. Hmmm, Silk, purple, five bolts, Cinnamon, labeled at ten pounds, Saffron, labeled at ten pounds, Wine, fifteen bottles, Oooh! Sealord red, and a decent vintage at that. He tallies and does some quick arithmetic before completing his accounting. Well, we won't be interested in any of these weapons or armor, you might try Savah's Armory for those sorts of things, but for the cloth, spices and wine, I can offer writs in the amount of four-hundred thirty five pieces of gold, or coin in the amount of three hundred and fifty pieces of gold. Of course, I'll have to weigh the spices to verify the amounts. Either way, it would be ready tomorrow morning. Which would you prefer? he asks in a quick, professional matter.
Tekk lets Sarusa take the lead speaking with the sheriff.
"We... we understand that maybe, you don't have as much coin here, but... we need to buy supplies locally. Surely, y-you can give us a little more in coinage...? Or, maybe credit at a local establishment...?"
I'm sure we would all agree that the community would benefit more from us spending the coin here rather than Magnimar, yes?
Not much I can tell you about what lies east, I'm afraid, the Sheriff responds as he leans back in his chair. Ever since Shalelu went gallivanting off north with Ameiko last harvest, I'm making do without reliable information for the most part. He sighs, with some frustration. I can tell you that the goblin tribes have been quiet for a long time. Too long if you ask me. It's always been the same. They cause problems, eventually the problem gets big enough that someone stamps them out, and a few seasons later the whole thing starts again. They sprout up like weeds, no matter how hard you put them down. Now, granted, we had a bit of a problem with the Licktoads in the south last year, but there's been nothing out of the tribes to the east in a few years now. That's bad news if you ask me. If you have to go that way, travel quick, travel quiet, and keep lots of eyes open if you have to stop to rest. That's be best advice I can give you. As for conditions, the roads are dirt, and not as well kept as the Lost Coast, but it's still usually faster on than off. I'd bring spare mounts, and avoid things like wagons if it were me. Sure they carry a lot, but they slow you down something fierce. Unless there's something else, good day, and may your spirits guide you.
Bleyvthine listens to Chloe with attention and respect, but when Karozekas chimes in, he gives the elf a withering glance with a slight roll of the eyes.
I'm sure the community will get along just fine. Those who wish to be charitable can do so out of their own pockets though. This remains a business. Honestly, I am bound by the rules set by my employer, and have made a fair offer. You are free to sell the wares on your own, of course. I do hope it doesn't take you too long though. It can be difficult to find a buyer when you don't know the locals very well.
Tekkis thanks the sheriff and returns outside to retrieve his weapons. "Well friends, let's head on down to the inn, I could use a good hunk of roasted pork about now!"
"Then please tell us about the... the locals, sir. We aren't running a charity, either, and we do need to be... able... to purchase food for our animals and companions. If we must, we can take the wine elsewhere... maybe a tavern would want it?
Morin collects his weapons and looks up at his much larger companion, saying "I like the way you think, Tekkis. Let's go eat a hot meal and see if our friends had any luck selling what we got from Volorio's crowd. And let's get a pint or two into Corbyn before we tell him what the sheriff said, about the roads east of here not being fit for carts n' wagons. I 'spect he'd rather be dipped in hot pitch than give up his little carty, but it might have to go."
Bleyvthine maintains his friendly expression, but his eyes betray his concern as he looks to the rusty, dragon-shaped sign down the street. Ah, let's not be hasty. Perhaps I could do a bit better for you. He reviews his calculations once again, makes a few notes and sighs. Sir Jasper won't like this... but I can offer three hundred ninety one gold and five silver for the lot. He looks at Chloe expectantly, Will that do, mistress?
"That will suffice, yes.... Thank you, Bleyvthine. It has been a... a pleasure. What time tomorrow do you want us... to come by?"
Chloe asked, smiling.
"Thank you for the information, Sheriff. We'll adjust our travelling accordingly."
Once outside, she punches Tekk good-naturedly. "How did the Sheriff know about us keeping only one person on our watches? We must be getting soft with this city life. To the Corroded Drake, then, and some belly-filling..and some pre-orders of brew for Corbyn and his dear, beloved cart. Perhaps we can rent out storage for it for a few coppers."
"I miss you Corbyn!"
Excellent, mistress. Bleyvthine smiles. I'll have the funds ready for you by nine bells tomorrow morning. Assuming the weights on the spices add up, of course. We have very fine scales, quite exact in their measurements. I'll be happy to weigh the spices tomorrow morning when you arrive.
Tekk glowers at Sarusa, "I'm afraid you're right. Since leaving Magnimar, I've been realizing how much I miss just being away from everything."
"Ah! I-in that case, I'd almost forgotten... we also have a decent amount of... of platinum, you see, in an ingot. Perhaps you'd be able to weight that as well?"
"They must be busy haggling. This is why I used Jeminda to settle my accounts--I have no great eye for business. Here's to accountants!"
Sarusa is not drinking water.
"I find the best way to keep track of my treasure is to spend it as soon as I get to port. So when we get word of how much they got, I'm sure going to eat well. And drink even better! What'll ya have, Sarusa? It's on me."
Karo stands quietly by Chloe, after his last comment backfired. By the God's, I'm getting thirsty. I bet the others are already halfway into their cups
"I hear they have a good ale here. And here's to liquidation of capital upon reaching the Capitol after crossing the liquid! Or something like that..."
Certainly, mistress. Bleyvthine bobs his head in acquiescence. Just bring it by in the morning, and I'll weigh it out for you.
Inside the Inn, Sarusa, Tekkis and Morin find ease and comfort quickly. The place has a homey feel, with well padded chairs, large windows to let in lots of light, and the scent of exotic spices indicating more than average tavern fare.
The ale is excellent, there is a large selection of wine and spirits, and the harried looking halfling woman behind the bar is quick to make sure that everyone is well looked after, muttering that Ameiko will be proud to come back to the Dragon when she finishes her adventure.
A large board near the bar advertises "Help Wanted" but aside from an open call for news from the hinterlands by Sheriff Hemlock, there does not seem to be much that might interest adventurers such as yourself, just notices of missing cows from the area farms, and a standing bounty of a silver piece per pair of goblin ears presented at the town hall.
Inn rates are posted at 5 silver for communal lodging, or 2 gold for a private room.
With a nod, Chloe makes her way towards the doorway.
"Well, p-perhaps we can... see what our compatriots have... discovered thus far, and tell them about our arrangement? Unless there is still time.. to go to another stop."