Angeus laughs, stands and performs a decent attempt at an elven court bow. "Be welcome, 'Stalker'....wine?"
"This One returns," Quince smiles. Enjoys small talk and wine for a few moments. Turning to after a little while "Stalker, thank for your time sir. I am certain we will need your help. Please allow us some time further to discuss things. If you would be so kind. Prepare a list of supplies per person you recommend for a week's journey in the Greenbelt. Naturally we have several hunters among us not least of all yourself."
"This one, is that how you wish to be called." Turning to address the table. "I would be most comfortable if only our names were on the charter. First most of us responded to this call and met the representative and those here, including 'This One' acted with wisdom and diplomacy while others stood by. We were singled out by the Swordlord representative. This is a big endeavor and while we will need many other hands to assist and the wisdom of others. I sense like purpose among us that does not necessarily exist among others that are hoping to join us. In this I think we would be wiser to pay and keep the services of these others on hand but to maintain ourselves as leaders in the endeavor. If all goes well there will be plenty of options to pay and offer return to those who will work for us in this."
"Don't patronize me, no spirit water for me, if you can afford it." That dour mood has come back over his features.
I will go and collect the supplies for you, meet me at the Black Fur once you are ready, my friends own the place.
"This One returns," Quince smiles. Enjoys small talk and wine for a few moments. Turning to after a little while "Stalker, thank for your time sir. I am certain we will need your help. Please allow us some time further to discuss things. If you would be so kind. Prepare a list of supplies per person you recommend for a week's journey in the Greenbelt. Naturally we have several hunters among us not least of all yourself."
"This one, is that how you wish to be called." Turning to address the table. "I would be most comfortable if only our names were on the charter. First most of us responded to this call and met the representative and those here, including 'This One' acted with wisdom and diplomacy while others stood by. We were singled out by the Swordlord representative. This is a big endeavor and while we will need many other hands to assist and the wisdom of others. I sense like purpose among us that does not necessarily exist among others that are hoping to join us. In this I think we would be wiser to pay and keep the services of these others on hand but to maintain ourselves as leaders in the endeavor. If all goes well there will be plenty of options to pay and offer return to those who will work for us in this."
"Well said, Quince. Others will aid us but it will be our responsibility to see to the fulfillment of the charter."
Kevros tries to bow but is unfamiliar with the Monk's custom of bowing, hesitates, and gives him the elven bow of friendship instead.
Kevros smiles as Stalker accepts and again holds out his arm for a warrior's shake ... "Welcome "Stalker" to our currently unnamed Band of Adventurers. I didn't want to use the word Mercenary although that is exactly what we are."
Kevros smiles at Quinces comment and addresses S'ala professionally to the best of his military bearing ... "Is your name really "The One", don't you have another nickname that isn't going to draw frivolous attention to you? I mean if you don't care, by all means keep "The One" as your name. In addition, please sign your name that you will be recognized by and accounted for on the charter."
Kevros gives Stalker the elven bow of friendship as he excuses himself to prepare the supplies ... "Thank you Brother, we will meet you at the Black Fur."
Kevros sits back down and gives his vote, "Although Dalvik was wronged by others and instead of coming up with a peaceful solution, he resorted to bullying. In addition, his skill set does not match what we need. We need a solid healer and someone who can control multiple targets or provide support to the front line. I second the vote for Narcissa and Akrolon."
"Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to find a group that would share my convictions and vision for the stolen lands." Masota takes a second to bask in it all. "This is a good day. I hope to share many more like it." She smiles and raises her glass.
If S'ala goes to sign the charter, Masota is going to try to discreetly peek at the contract to see what name he signs.
When it comes time to decide who to bring along, Masota stays relatively quiet, the only noise from her is the tapping of her finger against the table. Once Kevros finishes speaking, she chimes in. "Dalvik is a bully...this much is true. I've also seen the evil in his heart. However, I would much prefer to have him accompany us as opposed to letting him run around unchecked here in Restov. A short temper and propensity for violence will hinder us very little in the stolen lands when we're surrounded by foes. And perhaps working toward the greater good will help him change his ways." She stops for a bit, realizing that's she rambling. She sighs briefly before continuing. "I would vote for all of them. Each has a skill that wouldn't go to waste. That is, of course, assuming we have the funds to afford such a group."
"If Davik is on our leash he will know our plans. As will his allies. Any of the others will do well if willing to abide our leadership. I think we will be fine money wise low on retainer, high on payout should keep them happy. 7 a week for now, shares of resources later."
"You speak as if Davlik is part of some grand scheme with shadowy masters that he must report to each day." Masota laughs to herself at the idea of it all. "Still, if I'm the only who wishes to see him come with us, then I'll bow to the wisdom of the group. I have no preference either way for any of them; for every reason that exists to bring them, there is an equally strong reason to not do so."
Quince chuckles, "No I am not envisioning him as part of some grand evil scheme. He has connections to other thugs probably more than he showed up here with. I think I would prefer him on the outside of our defenses rather than him on inside knowing our ways, when we are vulnerable and when he can turn the tables on us.
"This one, is that how you wish to be called." Turning to address the table. "I would be most comfortable if only our names were on the charter. First most of us responded to this call and met the representative and those here, including 'This One' acted with wisdom and diplomacy while others stood by
S'ala seems uncomfortable at the prospect of signing the charter. He does give a nearly imperceptible nod when Quince mentions his actions were wise. "This One is not familiar with the concept of 'charter'. What do these words mean and why are they more important than One's word of honor which has been given?" he asks.
"Is your name really "The One", don't you have another nickname that isn't going to draw frivolous attention to you? I mean if you don't care, by all means keep "The One" as your name. In addition, please sign your name that you will be recognized by and accounted for on the charter."
S'ala bows again to Kevros "Wise Master, this One no longer has a name. In this One's Order, names are symbols of pride and are taken away when One joins as Initiate. This One has not earned the privilege of receiving a name but hopes to walk the Lotus Path to that end. If a mark on your 'charter' is required, this One will make a mark. Does that please the Wise Master?"
After watching the back and forth discussion about the other members of the group, S'ala motions to Quince"This One finds your thoughts to be very wise, Learned Master. It is written:'Keep your friends close but your enemies closer'.
However it is also written: 'An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast. A beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound the mind.' This One would counsel to do without a person with evil intentions no matter how great the need. The sanctity of One's mind and purity of spirit is too great to risk."
Again to Quince:"This One means no disrespect Learned Master and this One will accept your decision without question. This One has no objections to the others mentioned."
He gives a small bow to Quince and the group.
Kevros replies to S'ala ... "Yes, One of One, the mark that represents your word and accountability is a must. Unfortunately, the world does not revolve around your beliefs nor will you change it overnight." ... Kevros shifts in his seat, getting a little anxious, addresses the party ... "I am by far not a diplomat, I am usually called in when "modified" diplomacy is needed and traditional diplomacy has failed so please excuse my straight forwardness. We must hurry and stop being paranoid before Stalker and everyone else thinks and labels us "The Band of Incompetent Fools". Any and all of our retainers may be the usurper of our charter and ideals, even Stalker. Like "The One" has stated, it is better to keep our enemies closer. Who is to say those who we will not allow in will follow us and successfully execute a surprise attack on us? If they are already with us, surprise and scouting may be more difficult especially if we allow Stalker to sleep first since Elves only need about 4 hours of sleep. He can remain alert during the rest of the night making canaries and snakes more difficult to conspire. I propose we hire all of these people as retainers and adjust their contracts as needed according to their performance. We tell them if they partake in an unlawful act, take part in banditry, or operate outside the charter parameters, we will be the Shire Reeve (Sheriff) or the long arm of the Swordlords of Restov and execute them by the rope or the sword as mandated in the Charter. As for the Saren the Drunkard, we strip him of his alcohol unless he a functional drunk. If he isn't and he is drunk, we will disarm him as a penalty to his drunkenness and to keep us safe."
Angeus considers Kevros' words. "An acceptable compromise, Kevros. What say the rest of you?"
"Yes, if there is to be one among us who wishes to betray us, I would much rather have them under my watch than outside it where they can plot and scheme to their heart's content. The remoteness of the area makes coordinating such an endeavor difficult. With things being the way they are, I have a hard time finding reason to worry about treachery or deceit."
Masota looks over to the 'One' and decides to see if she can't help alleviate some of his concerns. "This document merely states what powers we have been given by the swordlords and what we are expected to do with those powers. The signing of the document is merely a formality that is for the benefit of those not here today. It is only as binding as one's own word...and if we didn't think we could trust your word, then you would not be where you are now." She pauses and smiles at S'ala. "You will need a name, however. We can't go around calling you 'One' all the time. If it's an issue, we could always call you by a nickname if you'd prefer. Surely your masters had a way to address you other than 'Hey you.'"
"I agree it is a good compromise I think we are all wise enough to be wary." Frowns changing the subject slightly, "I sense and urgency to get underway or to not 'appear incompetent.' Let's be realistic here. We signed a legal document accepting an endeavor to explore, subdue and administer a huge amount of land. We have a few people who may or may not want to work with us and it seems some of us are concerned we will some how loose credibility by not, speaking about who we should trust. It is not even lunch on the day after we signed the charter. I think a little planning and discussion is necessary and doing too little will do worse than make those we may wish to hire on think ill of us in the short term." Quince smiles, "That said, I think we have a few retainers to hire on. Quince looks around at the company, "Do we all have horses? Stalker is getting supplies and such lined up. Is there anything further we need to gather before getting underway?"
Angeus looks thoughtful then says "On second thought, Davlik should stay behind. Despite your wishes to keep him close, he and his thugs actually serve this town well; or at least much better than the alternative. Removing his leadership may, nay, will cause a deterioration of the quality of life for the people here in Restov. Much better if we take on the other and leave him to his current situation."
Kevros looks at Angeus ... "Perhaps and perhaps not? Civil strife is increasing throughout Brevoy and in all actuality, Mercs like Davlik are really not needed in towns, the Aldori Swordlord of Restov can handle most strife here in Restov." ... Then Kevros answers Quince's question, "Masota and I have horses, and we need "The One" to sign the Charter"
Masota raises an eyebrow at Angeus' comment about Davlik. "How exactly does Davlik serve this city?"
This document merely states what powers we have been given by the swordlords and what we are expected to do with those powers. The signing of the document is merely a formality that is for the benefit of those not here today. It is only as binding as one's own word...and if we didn't think we could trust your word, then you would not be where you are now
S'ala listens to this explanation and inclines his head slightly when the Paladin finishes. "This is well said. This One will sign your 'charter' as you request, as documentation of One's word."
"You will need a name, however. We can't go around calling you 'One' all the time. If it's an issue, we could always call you by a nickname if you'd prefer. Surely your masters had a way to address you other than 'Hey you.'"
. "This One has said this One has been given no name. If this One must be called by something by the Wise Company, they may call this One 'S'ala' which means Man of Peace in this One's native tongue.. He takes the pen and marks a small 'X' on the charter indicating his acceptance.
After making his mark, S'ala sits back and watches the debate silently.
Masota raises an eyebrow at Angeus' comment about Davlik. "How exactly does Davlik serve this city?"
Nodding to Kevris, Angeus says "It is true that the Swordlords do attempt to maintain order, however there are parts of Restov that the Swordlord's men will not enter. This is where men such as Davlik enter the scene; providing protection from the more violent elements for a small "donation". Self serving and criminal he may be, he acts much more reasonably than his predecessor, or any that would take his place should he depart. The people who live in these parts of Restov see men like Davlik as a necessary evil, and thank the gods that he is reasonable in his demands.
She sighs "Would that situations like this did not arise. But I guarantee people will suffer if we take Davlik away with us."
Kevros elated with "The One's" revelation of a more realistic name ... "Well met S'ala! Much better than "The One" in this culture." ... Kevros stands up and in a tactic to hurry the party along, and he places a light hand on Masota's shoulder ... "Since you have my vote in regards to hire all of the available retainers, I am going to see if Stalker needs help with the supplies and I am going to change our meeting place at the stables so we can leave directly from there." ... Kevros gives the bow of Elven friendship, waves, and leaves with crossbow at the ready watching his surroundings as he makes his way to the Black Fur.
Masota sighs heavily when Angeus makes her revelation. "Why can't it ever be simple?" She leans forward, running both hands through her hair as she mutters something to herself about 'necessary evil'. After several moments she looks back up at the others. "Very well. He stays. I would like to speak to him before we leave though. There are better solutions to this than simply turning a blind eye."
Half way out the door Kevros overhears that Davlik will be staying back in Restov, he gets a tingling feeling that things may not go well and Davlik has two thugs with him. Kevros walks back to the table keeping the crossbow handy ... "I will wait since some members decided to not allow Davlik in."
Looking up as Kevros returns, but addresses Masota "If you wish to speak to him Masota, it might be better for you to not do so alone." Pauses a moment, "For none us to conduct such business alone."
"This One will also accompany you. Bad men's reactions to bad news are hard to predict.". S'ala does not want his new companion to be hurt in this discussion, but he will look for a peaceful resolution first if available.
"Aye, its a group decision. We'll deliver it to Davlik together." Angeus says looking around at her new companions.
Masota nods to the others and stands before making her way over to Davlik's table. "Mind if I sit?" Assuming Davlik's ok with it, she'll take a seat across from him. "Davlik..." She hesitates slightly before continuing. "Why? Why go to the stolen lands? What could you possibly hope to gain that you don't already have here?"
You can help someone achieve success on a skill check by making the same kind of skill check in a cooperative effort. If you roll a 10 or higher on your check, the character you're helping gets a +2 bonus on his or her check. (You can't take 10 on a skill check to aid another.) In many cases, a character's help won't be beneficial, or only a limited number of characters can help at once.
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Masota you should do a check of some kind or are you just telling him?
S'ala you should roleplay it out unless you have the money then go ahead without.
"Feel free to sit with me pretty one... why not the Stolen lands, well to get rich of course, THE name is DALVIK." Dalvik responds getting a little riled up.
"Wealth. Of course. I suppose I should have expected as much. Angeus here tells me about the 'services' you provide for the city." She sighs to herself, hating what she's about to do. "Restov is my home, or at least the closest thing I have to one. I hate to admit it but you keep things safer simply by being here. Which is why I want to offer you a deal. You want wealth? I will provide it so long as you keep your men under control, keep the more dangerous criminals off the street, and stop harassing the locals. Do this and the wealth of the stolen lands will find a way into your pocket without you ever needing to set foot into them."
Diplomacy:
Masota rolls her eyes at Davlik and makes an audible grunt of disgust when he winks at her. She continues, her tone much harsher than she's used to. "Don't get too excited Davlik. You still have a job to do here in Restov. I expect results, not a continuation of the status quo. And the excessive harassment for protection money stops. I'll pay for your lost 'profits' myself if that's what it comes to."
"Once the stolen lands are tamed and settled, send a messenger. We can work out your cut and monthly profits then. But know this...the first thing I'll do once our settlement is underway is send eyes and ears into this city to watch you. You back out of this, or if I hear that you're hurting people...everything is off the table."
"I can understand your threats, and I understand your words, I do things my way though no one will tell me what to do, but you propose to pay me well so things might change for the better, but I had better see some returns in at least a month, for I now know your weak spot. So I threaten you with the lives you want to protect. Do you understand me?"
"You want to make demands? Fine. That I could deal with." She stands, leaning in toward Dalvik, anger apparent in her face and voice. "But threatening murder to obtain the wealth you desire? That I will not stand for. I swallowed my pride and tried to make a deal with you and you throw it all away." She stands up straight again, looking over to her companions and then back to Dalvik. "The deal is off. I thought you'd be more harmless than other criminals but it appears I was wrong. I'll be giving the city watch your regards on my way out of the city so I suggest you scurry back to your hole like the rat you are."
Kevros casually moves to a position of best LOS (Line of Sight) but does not give away his intentions by telegraphing it.
Stiffening his spine, Quince takes note of Dalvik's allies keeping an eye out for sudden movements and for those who previously were not known to be allies.
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"Rat, interesting. Good luck on your endeavors if you think me a rat." Dalvik raises his eyebrow at Masota and just calmly waits.
Shifts Quickly to guard Masota's back and readies his shield. He calls out,"Hdkefg gjslhlsshf glhgljhlllshf"
Perception.
Too focused on the discussion Angeus doesn't notice the other thugs.
Sighing at the turn the discussion has taken, Angeus steps up beside Masota and says to Dalvik " Dalvik, you need to look at the big picture. Look at me...you know me I think, you know who I know , who allows your enterprise to continue because it serves a purpose, get in our way and I'll whisper in the right ears and your life becomes hell.
Intimidate
Kevros continues to let the true diplomats to either resolve or instigate the situation. He will definitely be there for "modified" diplomacy.
Perception:
"I think we're done here. I have nothing left to discuss with this creature." With that, Masota will begin walking to the door, ignoring the thugs but staying alert for the distinct sound of a crossbow being fired. If Davlik lets her get that far, she'll pause at the door and announce to the whole tavern. "Oh and Davlik? That money that was to be yours? It has become your bounty. Let's see how many friends you have now."