Karv shivers
If you want a contract double the payment, a being such as myself has a natural distaste for such things. In addition if you want a contract you must provide provision for "hazard" pay, if for instance your alchemist got kidnapped by say the priesthood of Shar we would need additional gold to make it worth our effort...
diplomacy
Kaelmourne nods to the gnome when he looks to the half-elf to confirm his participation. "Should I return, you will also provide me information." He states sotto voce.
Dibaarn laughs, as Kaelmourne also demands information as additional payment. "It looks like I picked the right people indeed, so eager to join this game." The, within a moment, he becomes dead serious. "Unless you state explicitly what it is you both seek, I fear I can't help you. I didn't give you any names till now for security purposes, but I was very clear in what it is I want. Making vague insinuations will not help us come to an agreement, for I will not sign any contract without knowing what those demands really are."
But he looks at Dravvon, his face showing grim amusement. "Such fire... and I like it. Double is too much, my friend, but I will raise the payment to 350 Gold for everyone, and this is my final offer. Nobody expects you to follow insane cultits into abandoned temples, Waukeen forbid. If such a dire fate has befallen my alchemist friend, a detailed report would be enough for me - I am paying you to investigate. That is not to say I wouldn't want him rescued, if we follow this line of thought for a while, but that would be another matter altogether, and another contract for sure."
For the sake of it, if the situation is something akin to what I have suggested perhaps you can devise a form of magical communication so that once we are on the ground we can report to you. As for the favor I require I need access to old elven history and one can guess how well elves react to humans wanting to know their shameful history... Care to take a guess at how badly they would react to me? At any rate what I truly need is a professional researcher who can do the research for me, this era of history would be the Crown Wars of old. While you may not have contacts with any churches I'll bet you have many researchers at your disposal, what gnome does not crave knowledge of any description?
"True," the gnome chuckles, as if caught with a guilty pleasure. "The Crown Wars, eh? Interesting topic, for sure... My guess would have been that you'd seek some information about the recent upheavals, both divine and earthly ones, but this I think could work." He seems to think on it, nodding to himself. "To answer your suggestion, I am in communication with my trusted administrator, he will deliver any and all messages between us once he meets you at your destination. Further I am willing to add to the contract that I will provide you with access to one skilled researcher, who in return has access to libraries and collections of lore, for the purpose of information about the ancient elven Crown Wars. I cannot say at this point if you'll be able to meet said researcher in person, nor will success be a condition in this arrangement, but access I will get you." Dibaarn looks at Kaelmourne expectantly.
Someone who is skilled particularly in genealogy on noble families and geography would do well, perhaps with a little knowledge of the Abyss thrown in. I will feed you the specific details once this contract is complete.
Kaelmourne murmurs, "We have been infested with snakes. I know they come from the Mhair jungle. I would know more of them, so they may be eradicated before we are overrun."
"A certain qualification in matters of genealogy goes without question, as goes the disclosure of the specific names or locations you seek upon signing the contract."
Dibaarn raises an eyebrow at Kaelmourne's comment. "I have a contact or two in Sammarash, if you agree to the same terms I laid out for Master Dravvorn, I can arrange an inquiry on that topic?"
"If that is all, I think we have a deal, yes?"
Aeron finds the exchange between his new companions and Mater Dibaarn with interest, learning more than is said about them by the nature of their requests.
As long as I have a horse and a few comforts for the road, then yes we are agreed.
Aeron looks over the contract for anything out of the ordinary, sensing nothing amiss he makes his mark and hands the parchment over to Master Dibaarn.
I look forward to our new venture.
The contract really is just a simple template with various lines to fill in the details. The only passage pre-written is about the honesty and agreement between both parties, something that sounds like an excerpt from one auf Waukeen's teachings.
"Thank you for your services, Master Vestrili. I will deposite a copy of each contract with the church of Waukeen, should you ever need to have access to them again." The gnome looks at the other men.
Kaelmourne makes a mark on the paper the gnome hands to him and then passes it back.
Adotlir takes the contract from Master Dibaarn and signs his name on the space provided for it. "If time is indeed of the essence, Master Dibaarn, is there perhaps somewhere you would like us to collect the transport you will arrange for us before we set off? And how far away is this little town that your alchemist friend was in?"
"If none of you have unfinished busines to attend to in Sheirtalar, I can arrange you all to pick up the horses at the caravansary near the city's east gates, 8th hour tomorrow morning. You will find your mounts, saddles, blankets, waterskins, rope, and something to ease the burden of the noon's maddening heat." The gnome fiddles with the signed documents and inspects the signatures.
"As for the distance, the town is about 120 miles to the east, as the crow flies. The road is a bit longer than that, since you would cross the river Talar to the south before parting from the main road to go east on a smaller dirt track. The town lies between the foothills of the Dune Hills and the arid region sometimes called the Bandit Wastes." Dibaarn looks seriously for a moment. "For security purposes I will reveal the town and the identity of my administrator and the alchemist immediatley upon departure, not before. Not that I don't trust you," his face shows a small, sardonic smile, "but I went to great lengths to keep this affair hidden from anyone, and while we are save from divination magic within these walls, the same cannot be said about your temporary quarters." He makes a shrugging gesture. "Not that I expect anyone to bother you really, but I'd rather err on the side of caution."
Aeron thinks he may know something of the area described by Master Dibaarn.
"Well then gentlemen, until tomorrow" Aeron gives an exaggerated bow and wades off to a private corner of the bath house to properly clean himself.
He makes his way back to the tenement that he says in while in Sheirtalar. He packs his gear and then lays down to sleep, visions of the road clouding his dreams.
Aeron doesn't remember anything special about that area, which isn't surprising since there really isn't much to remember in the first place. The Bandit Wastes are famous for thorny bushes, difficult terrain, and the occasional sandstorm sweeping into the surrounding territories. The Dune Hills have a bit more vegetation, but all in all the region is mostly arid.
Let the hunt begin.
"Eighth hour tomorrow sounds more than reasonable, as does the secrecy you intend to keep regarding this venture. Halruaan nobles are no different, especially when you consider the complexities of trying to keep information from even a half skilled diviner." Adotlin gives the contract one more look over before handing it back to the gnome.
The cleric leans back and sinks himself into the water up to his chin, the wooden holy symbol of Azuth floating to the surface of the water. He closes his eyes and relaxes, happy to keep chatting with the gnome or his new traveling companions, or to sit in quiet contemplation of the words given him by the Spellfather back home in Halruaa.
Dibaarn is happy to make some idle chat with you. He talks about the backstabbing between the local merchants, the delicate game of politics between the Overking and the satraps of the neighbor cities. But since Adotlin is also a cleric, at some point he brings up some effects of the Time of Troubles' aftermath, especially the late return of Waukeen and its effects on the local church. An our later tough, he excuses himself and prepares to leave.
"I am sorry to leave so early, but I have some urgent matters to attent to, and I want to make sure tomorrow everything is in order. Please enjoy yourselves as long as you wish, this place doesn't really close on a regular basis." As he steps out of the water, you can see that his body is covered in scar tissue, as if he once had endured some vicious torture. "And thank you again for your services. Have a good night." With those words, he vanishes behind the curtains.
Although it is getting late, around the 10th hour past noon, there is still opportunity to get things done. The streets of Sheirtalar are still busy with renewed activity.
Aeron rises early and makes his way to the caravansary near the east gate. He checks in with the proprietor and spends some time checking the equipment, repacking some things to either make them easier to access or so they ride better on the trail.
He finds a nice shady spot and waits for the others to arrive.
11th of Kythorn, 1372 DR, in Sheirtalar
The sun promises another day of blistering heat, and the streets are crowded with people doing business before noon sets in. The caravansary is a noisy place, the sounds of horses and beasts of burden mix with the shouting of men and the rumbling of goods being carried around. Aeron seems to be the first to arrive, and is quickly send to the stables. The stable master, a dark-skinned half-orc, checks Aeron's name against a small list he is carrying, nodding in approvement.
"There are 6 horses waiting for you, and I already packed the gear paid for by Master Dibaarn, but see for yourself." he says, leading the way. "One is an extraordinary specimen. Gotta say, it's not often that we have a Shaaran horse in our stables. She is a real beauty, but fickle as a fey, and the extra hay is a pain in the ass. I mean, why would you even bring such a horse here when everyone knows it doesn't fare well without the grass of the Shaaran plains? People..." The half-orc shakes his head in disapproval. "I don't know where you're going, and it's none of my business, but if you take her, make sure to pack the last two of her hay bales we have, otherwise she will slow down and get sick."
Aeron gives the shaaran horse a thorough inspection, speaking soothing words to him.
"I think you and I are going to do great things my friend. I shall call you Iago.
Aeron thinks to himself that he may be able to talk Karv into letting him load the hay bales onto his cart.
Karv will also awake early, pack what little items he has and pick up Dravvorn in his wagon then heads to the point they were supposed to meet.
Adotlin awakes at first light, the bells at the temple of Mystra sounding deeply within the spire. He kneels at the small shrine to Azuth he has set up for his own personal devotions, praying to the Lord of All Spells for reason, wisdom, and guidance for the travels he is about to undertake.
After an hour, he begins to pack his meager belongings and bids farewell to the priests and priestesses of the temple, thanking them for their charity and hospitality. Adotlin wanders through the streets, meandering through the crowd toward the caravansary. He is now clad in a suit of chain mail, with a shield strapped to his back and a morningstar at his left hip. He still travels with the iron-shod quarterstaff also.
As he arrives at the caravansary, he notes that Aeron is already there, and waves in greeting.
"A fine looking steed you have been provided with there, Master Vestrili. Need you any aid with preparing for travel?"
Dravvorn is in the wagon...
Karv and Dravvorn make their way slowly through the crowded streets, accompanied by curses in several languages. They meet Adotlin and Aeron, who are already waiting for them in the shadows of an empty spot outside the massive building. The stable master checks everyone against his list and shows the group the remaining 5 horses and the gear he had prepared.
Shortly thereafter the young half-elf from the day before arrives on scene, catching his breath for a moment before he joins you with a sheepish smile. "Master Dibaarn is tied up with business, but he send me to deliver the informations you need. He is very sorry, since he had planned to come here in person, but he wishes to send you the best of luck." The boy hands you a rolled parchment, sealed like the invitation you all got yesterday.
Friends,
The alchemist you are looking for is called Gyleon Ebeth, and he lives in a small town called Jhaalis. The town only has about 150 people living there, so I do not believe that nobody knows what happened to Gyleon. Hopefully you have better luck with the locals than my admistrator. His name is Iriskarr Lobring, and he will meet you in Jhaalis around the 15th of Kythorn. I assume that you will have arrived by that time, and maybe even got some answers. If you want to check Gyleon's house, Iriskaar hid a spare key in one of the monstrous visages that cover the door casing.
"Oh, and also this sum of gold." The half-elf produces five small purses filled with platin, gold, and silver coins of the exact sum Dibaarn promised to pay up front. "Good luck! May Labelas Enoreth write you a glorious destiny in the pages of time." Then, he turns around and disappears quickly in the crowds.
Through the eastern gates of Sheirtalar you can see the bright morning sun and the horizon, covered in golden light. With your next steps, your journey will begin.
Aeron greets the rest of his companions. Good to see you all again, A fine day to set out on the road.
To Karv and Dravvorn: Friends, I have a small request. I have been provided this fine horse from the Shaaran plains, but as you might know it needs the grasses from its home or it will sicken and die. The provender has a couple bales. Can I store them in the wagon for our journey together.
After that is settled, Aeron tends to everyone else in the group and their mounts, checking to make sure their saddles are set right and answering any questions they might have.
A stranger approaches your group, a dwarf with colorful clothing and several rings on his fingers. He waves at Karv, shouting: "Oh hey, my red-skinned friend! Glain Khimar, you remember me? What did the old gnome say? Did you mention my name?"
Oh, You. Hi mister Dwarf. I did and he said he would look you up but was very busy. He wanted me to do a quest of great importance.
Now I have to go help my companion with his hay. Goodbye mister Dwarf.
"You did? Seriously? This is unbelievable!" The dwarf almost makes a jump. "Thank you, young fellow, thank you! I mean, he he is still old Dibaarn, who knows, but he is going to look me up? Never let appearances fool you, as the saying goes, yes? Oh I have to get back to my stand, or else I'll miss him... " With visible excitement, the dwarf almost starts turnig around, but he stops. "You know what? I did expect you to forget about me, but since you didn't, and my services yesterday wheren't that extensive, let me give you this. I don't need it anymore since I bought my new scales, but I kept it as a good luck charm - so good luck, friend! Come find me when you get back to Sheirtalar, I'll open a bottle or two with you!" He throws a small metallic object towards Karv, then turns around and starts running into the crowds. "Orvin? Oooorvin? I am gonna see Grilvo Dibaarn, can you believe this..."His voice fades away in the noisy street.
The object looks like a miniature version of a merchant's scale, fully functional and covered with diminutive dwarven runes. It is surprisingly light, but it looks like bronze, not mithril or any other known light-weight metal.
There's no way that could come back later to bite me. Hey staple guy, can I leave you message to give to Dibaarn?
Karv needs to call a few times before the half-orc notices him. "Yeah, what is it? I prepared everything according to that note, and the payment, so don't complain to me about the oiled rope, that was a specific instruction!".
Karv's eyes glow a dark red and he gets close to the staple guy.
Listen here bub. You will deliver a message to Dibaarn, You will do so quickly, and you will do so with a smile cause smiles make people's day nice. If you don't I will squish you like the bug you are!
After letting go of the staple guy Karv will return to his normal, care-free attitude.
Hey can someone write me a letter to Dibaarn recommending Glain Kimhar?
The half-orc, not really looking smaller or less tough than Karv, backs away half a step. "Ok, ok, whatever you say, no need to get violent! But what is it I should deliver?" He avoids to look into Karv's eyes, focussing on his lips instead.
Something along the lines of:
"Dear Dibaarn,
I'd like to send along my recommendations of a friend by the name of Glain Khimar who has helped me in the past. I know we just met but it would mean a lot to me if you would stop by his stall in the market sometime.
-Karv"
Dravvorn writes the message for his illiterate fellow and prepares for the journey...
Aeron watches the scene with the stable hand play out while he loads the hay on the wagon. After the half-orc scampers of with the note he mounts Iago and motions to the others.
"We should be getting on the road, we've a ways to go before we rest." and with that he spurs the horse through the gate, sprinting him across the plain to get a feel for his new steed. After putting him through his paces he falls back in with the company.
"Agreed." Adotlin finishes stowing his belongings onto the horse and cart and clambers onto the horse. It is clear that the cleric has not rode a horse in a very long time. He eventually makes it onto the back of the beast, his face flushed with exertion. "Though I hope with these here beasts we can make good time to the town," he says, kicking the horse into a paced walk, which is a far cry from Aeron's gallop down the road.
As the companions ride down the road, Aeron keeps a vigilant watch for anything dangerous. He does not expect to find anything bad this close to the city, but on the road you always have to have your guard up.
The wind smells fresh this morning, a great day for travel.
As you all make your way away from the city, you notice the change of noises, and the change of smells. The roads are still very busy with riders, caravans, and wanderers of all colors and nationalities, but after an hour or so the traffic decreases notably.
The landscape is a mix of arid land, dry acres, and small farms and buildings. One of the ancient wells along the main road is surrounded by tents and wagons, and there is a long line of people and animals waiting for a bucket or two of fresh water. A gentle breeze stirs up the increasing heat, but the further you travel away from the cost, the less relief it brings, and you all can taste the aroma of dried land on your mouth.
However, the road is intact and allows you to make good speed. Now, on your own and away from the crowded alleys of Sheirtalar, you have a chance to take a better look at your companions. What reasons, what motivation did urge them to accept this assignment?
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Karv starts singing to himself in a low tone.
Karv is big
Karv is red
Karv meet nice girl
And we be wed.
Karv can chop
And Karv can slice
Karv look mean
But Karv really nice.
Karv looks scary
Sometimes me hairy
But Karv can be gentle
Like a fairy.
Karv can kill
And Karv can fight
But Karv no want
To always live by Karv's might.
Karv build house
And Karv get wife
And forever live
A quiet life.
But till then Karv will kill
And Karv will maim
To keep Karv's cart
And Karv's belly fill...
...ed
With Karv singing to himself, Adotlir appraises his companions, particularly the Crinti. He turns his gaze back towards Aeron and nods, looking at the clear sky and sun beating down on them.
"I must admit that I do not travel quite this far normally back home, and Halruaan forms of travel are decidedly less bumpy than this is," he says, patting the dark bay horse on the neck. "How long do you suppose it will take us to travel to Jhaalis to meet with this Gyleon fellow?"
Dravvorn puts his hand to his face and sighs as he hears Karv sing...
It depends, if these horses can make about twenty five to thirty miles a day it shouldn't take long... Oh for the days when Fey'ri rode to war in the ancient battle platforms...
Did the battle platforms have trumpets? I like trumpets. Ooh and they were red. Karv like red. And they flew around really really fast. And we're pulled by giant birds, that are also red and and and...
Karv goes on for several minutes about all the fantastical and red things in his head until he forgets what he was talking about. He goes silent for several minutes then bursts out laughing for no apparent reason. Then he gets really serious and quiet for awhile.
If we are lucky, we should be in Jahaaris in five days. The roads near the cities will be much better than the track we take around the Dun Hills.
To Dravvorn, I have not heard of these battle platforms, but if they had some sort of shade on them I would gladly ride one.
Hearing Karv go on about the things that are red makes him chuckle to himself.
Aeron asks Adotlin, I had been meaning to ask, what brings one out of Halruaa to this place?