Thorgrund graciously greets each in turn, although he seems flustered when talking to Shyr.
He joins the others, listening intently to Julius and his proposal.
"Well spoken, lad. I've learned from guarding caravans that it's easier to die alone than with comrades watching your back. I am only slightly familiar with these northern mountains, having been a scout for some mercenaries a few months back."
He pauses, furrowing his brow.
"As for the bandits, yes, I think we should go after them first. Once they are dealt with, the Baron can free up other resources to aid us if need be. Especially if this goblin tribe decides to become more aggressive."
Thorgrund smiles broadly now, flicking a finger at the blade of his axe, which rewards him with a fine sounding "gong".
"Besides, Vengryn here is getting a wee bit thirsty..." he says, winking at Uzorgrang.
Keith eyes the axe approvingly, "My my isn't that sharp! Well then I think it's settled. We'll go and get us a writ of commission from the good Baron and string up some bandits for him!" You get the distinct impression that Keith relishes the thought of a little highway justice, all legally sanctioned of course...
'We shall clear the Baron's lands of detritus', thinks Keith as he walks towards the door.
Keith opens the door on the setting sun illuminating the man if the fading light as he strides out the door company in tow. You range down the street confidently toward the keep easily seen up the road at rivers edge. You see at the gate four men. Two fellows stand astride the portcullis halberds in hand they both perk up as you approach. The other two sit at a small table next to the gate; one obviously the Sargent plays cards with a herald perhaps or some sort of liveried servant.
Julius has done a good polish of his gear before going out.
"Keith, Ashar, it is your show."
Ûzorgráng dutifully follows the company. As they near the keep he becomes solemn, grave, and silent, with an expressionless face. Trying his best to be a formidable presence, but not actively intimidating nor speaking to anyone.
He is also keeping his eyes open to see if he can spot anyone else who is armed in the town. Or if anyone is trying to spy on them (people gawking in plain sight are of no interest to him).
He muses: "I need to find a place to practice. I don't want to get flabby before some good fighting!"
As Keith walks up to the portcullis it occurs to him that knowing the name of the Herald or the Sergeant would make the initial contact much easier. He wracks his head, but turns up a blank and ponders 'Perhaps I should have paid more attention to father's tedious heraldic tomes and genealogies. Oh well, too late now. I'll just have to wing it.'
The tower guards stand to attention as Keith's party arrive and he finds himself thinking, 'A man could get used to that. Right enough gawping, we need these men to hire us. We must exude a quiet competence.' Keith coughs politely and calls out, "I'd like to speak to your Sergeant please, we've come in answer to the Baron's call." Seeing he has their attention he adds, "I hear there is a small problem with bandits, a problem we may be able to solve..."
The soldier sitting at the table quickly rises at your words Keith. I'm the Sgt. on duty. You say you are here bout the Baron's call eh? Well standing orders are to see you in to the hall; Davith here will show you the way. He motions to the man he was playing cards with who quickly stands looking you over.
He appraises you all admiringly. If you will follow me good sirs, madam. he leads you across a courtyard and into the keep proper. as he leads you he asks your names and attempts a polite conversation, but truth be told once in the keep it is not far to the Baron's Court. He walks into the court. There is a long buffet on one side with assorted dishes arrayed upon it looking grazed over but still far from empty.
Excuse me your Excellency these Heroes have heard your decree and come to speak of giving their aid to the barony. it seems Keith impressed him upon your arrival.
Before you on the throne lounges a youngish man who waves away the duo of musicians who were playing for him as you came in. Well Davith I see potential before me. He sits up in his chair I would hear tale of who stands before me. Yes tell me who comes to my peoples aid.
Ûzorgráng bows slightly toward Baron Lumont, but stays silent. He looks at Keith and Ashar, standing at attention, waiting for either or both to speak to the Baron.
Ashar steps forward slightly and bows deeply with a flourish of his hand.
Excellency, My name is Ashar Shirazi from the far lands across the burning desert. My companions and I have recently met upon the road and seen potential for greatness in the mixing of our abilities. We would seek the honor of knowing what ills have fallen on this land, that the gods have seen fit to bring us to. With your patronage, I am certain that we can strike mightily against the encroachment of chaos and darkness, in your name.
Ûzorgráng nods slightly in solemn agreement, when Ashar makes his introduction. But says nothing.
Keith bows at just the right angle to show his respects to a man of the Baron's station. Low, but not so low as you'd bow for a Earl, and not abasing yourself like you would with a King. He addresses him with the utmost respect saying, "Your Grace. It would be an honor to serve. Merchants and farmers and peaceful honest folk must be able to travel the highway without fear. If it please your Grace to grant us a commission, we will show The bandit a firm hand. All shall see that your justice is done and that it is fair!"
Sotto voce, he adds 'And if your justice happens to be sudden and harsh, so much the better! We must put the fear of God into The Bandit, or else chaos will reign.'
Julius stand firm, trying to show courage and skill, not youth and inexperience.
"You are experienced Julius, you have killed a skeleton while protector Coulson was killing that necromancer. Show it."
Julius notice Keith sotto voce and and work very hard not to show a reaction.
"He is a too bloodthirsty. The goddess ask us to give everyone a second chance. I should speak with him later."
The baron seems enthralled with Ashar's voice " Oh yes! I am sure you lot are just what I need to clean things up around here. You see it seems all manner of troubles have come my way of late. There is the goblins harassing the peasant folk, merchants come crying of bandits plying their trade on the road north, and now some monstrosity is inspiring tales of woe and causing my mines to go unworked. Baron Lumont working himself up as he continues. He visibly calms himself " So it is the bandits you wish to pursue first." He nods, Yes, wise indeed. Commerce must not be interrupted. What payment do you require to do me this service? He looks a little fretful as he contemplates the cost.
"The Baron seem to be preoccupied for the cost. Maybe the Barony treasury is empty. Surely Keith will notice the Baron distress and offer our help in exchange for future considerations. Or the merchants can pay us. We should help."
Keith Considers, "If I may be so bold Your Grace. I'd suggest a retainer of one gold each per month paid in arrears. Plus full bread and board, and a three quarter share of any goods lawfully confiscated. It will encourage us to be diligent in your service."
Julius sighs in admiration and appreciation of Keith bargaining skills.
"Yes, that is right. We get what we need with a good chance of looting and the barony treasury isn't taxed by our requests."
Ûzorgráng continues his silent-but-really-tough-guy stance. The fancy talk is going over his head and he's daydreaming a wee bit.
"I wonder if I can thump more bandits with Varguthauk than Thorgrund can thump with Vengryn? I do have other weapons. The others just haven't seen EVERYTHING I can do yet. My friends will be ever so impressed! Maybe we should put bets on who can do the most thumping?"
Shyr will wait quietly in the background, knowing that an unwise word here could ruin their chances of convincing the Baron to let them help. Best not to do anything that could ruin things for the group. Although she would help the town for free even if the other's wouldn't.
Thorgrund stands like a rock, unmoving, but very aware of his surroundings. Careful not to make direct eye contact, he attempts to size up the Baron, taking in to account his youth.
Only the golden tone of his skin allows him to hide his reaction to Keith's suggestion of such a pittance for pay. He quickly steps forward another step and attempts to salvage the negotiations.
Your Excellency, Master Flint of course speaks of those times in between specific missions, as we recover or await news from afar. with specific objectives we would seek recompense equal to the task. In many lands this is handled as a bounty per bandit arrested, or that we are forced to slay, plus a further lump sum when the threat is removed in full.
If Keith attempts to interfere, Ashar quickly steps backward on to his foot, as he is not done.
This will benefit you in many ways. The small bounty, say five gold per bandit will quickly be repaid to the treasury by the tariffs on renewed trade and travel. As for the larger reward, I would suggest that a cunning and charismatic man such as yourself could convince the trading concerns to bear the majority of the cost. Any items recovered would be up to us to deal with, as merchants are suspicious people and a great noble such as yourself would not wish to involve yourself in the dispensation of stolen goods.
Putting on his greatest smile, and beaming at the Baron, Ashar concludes.
The best of all is the gains you will see from such a minimal investment. Should we succeed, the credit will be yours for hiring us. Should we fail, it is the loss only of strangers with few, if any, ties to your lands. As for the goods and gold that we receive or recover, they will be sold or spent in your lands, thus you will gain an increase in your taxes.
Keith was about to demur then 'OW! that oaf trod on my foot! What the blazes?! Ah I see, he wants more money. Money the Baron may not have. Does he not realise hunting bandits is profitable even without a bounty on each scalp? Still if he can swing it...'
Keith gives the man an apprasing look, 'Yes if he can swing it, a bounty will encourage the others to go the extra mile with The Bandit. Together we would push back the forces of chaos and civilisation will flourish in its wake. Yes if the Baron is receptive... Of course that is the question!'
"How can a follower of the goddess be so greedy when the life of the common people is in danger?"
Jules give Ahshar a stern glance.
"They look like they're having fun talking to the Baron. I'm Hungry!"
Ûzorgráng stays stock still despite his usual hunger pangs.
Shyr joins Julius in giving Ashar a tern look, with an expression that spells certain death if he continues in the line of negotiation that will rob the town of it's wealth.
"If he tries to rob these people, he is going to regret it.
The baron nods to what Ashar is saying admiringly; listening to the rich exotic baritone of Ashar's speech.
Yes my friend, I do hope you will be my friend, I suppose a bounty of five duckets is fair. Now this lump sum how much did you have in mind?
"I'm hungry!"
Julius calm a bit, but still feel unhappy.
Shyer feels a bit better, but is still irritated that Ashar had tried driving their payment up.
Favouring his left foot, Keith steps along side the golden skinned man and interjects, "Your Grace, monies are indeed good motivator up to a point. But beyond that I believe the traditional reward for leal service is land and title. As Mr Shirazi so eloquently put it we have little ties to your land. Should our service please you, you may wish for that to change."
You get the impression that Keith ultimately isn't all that interested in money. Rather he would value respect and social status.
Ûzorgráng is getting somewhat bored with all this talking and gesturing, which seems to be going well. He thinks so, anyway. He casually leans over slightly to Thorgrund and whispers:
"Do you want to make a friendly bet about who can thump the most bandits?"
Ûzorgráng is getting somewhat bored with all this talking and gesturing, which seems to be going well. He thinks so, anyway. He casually leans over slightly to Thorgrund and whispers:
"Do you want to make a friendly bet about who can thump the most bandits?"
Julius try to hear what Ûzorgráng is saying, but fail miserably. He give him a puzzled look.
Ûzorgráng is getting somewhat bored with all this talking and gesturing, which seems to be going well. He thinks so, anyway. He casually leans over slightly to Thorgrund and whispers:
"Do you want to make a friendly bet about who can thump the most bandits?"
Thorgrund smiles slightly, and whispers back at the hulking half-orc.
"Done, lad. You may as well pay me now..." he chuckles.
Ûzorgráng whispers back to Thorgrund:
"How much? Twenty gold when it's over?"
Ûzorgráng is oblivious to Julius' eavesdropping.
But beyond that I believe the traditional reward for leal service is land and title.[/b]
Ashar conceals a wince with difficulty.
He would swear his life to this man? Has he no standards?With his glowing smile still intact, Ashar quickly continues.
The sum would ultimately depend on the nature of the beings we face. Are they simple robbers or truly murderous? A starting place would be perhaps 50 gold for each of us to survive this mission? At the mention that he would pay less if not all of us may survive, he meets the baron's eye to see if he can determine if he has judged his callousness and greed correctly.
It can also be useful to include items of a more notable nature. I am sure your worthy ancestors have accumulated any number of oddments that are simply taking up space. Estoric books in you library or trophies taken in battle long ago that no longer hold a place in your heart but that could prove useful to such an eclectic bunch as we. Such rewards will remind the commonfolk of the greatness of your family line.
If such amounts have been hard to come by due to the difficulties assailing your lands, perhaps a similar sum in goods from your armories or as discounts from merchants or craftsman that have also been hurt by these troubles and can not pay their taxes in full. To give them an honorable way to meet their obligations even in such times of trouble.
Keith studies Ashar out of the corner of his eye and thinks, 'That man is a mystery. Yes he can be most charming, but he seems used to getting his way and I find him pricklesome. Still I must not dismiss the way he holds the Baron's attention, there is power in his voice.'
Mildly uncomfortable, Keith sidles away imperceptibly and rues his haste thinking, 'We should have discussed compensation before plunging in... Apparently my would be colleagues are such material creatures! Well I say let them have their trinkets, money is no substitute for power but I suppose it will fund my studies.'
He nods as he listens to Ashar's terms. 50 crowns a piece seems reasonable, of course that is in addition to the bounty. I am sure there are a number of bobbles and trinkets collecting dust that would be put to much better use than that.
As Keith starts to slink off the baron shifts his gaze.
My Goodman Flint do not think I forgot about you.
He wags his finger at Keith.
I can see you are a man after my own heart. You have that inner spark of nobility. I will tell you what if you and your companions can take care of all three of these problems in a timely fashion. I will grant you an estate and title.
He smiles eyebrow arched first at Keith than taking you all in.
What say you all will you aid me? Purge this land of these wicked troubles, and give succor to my people?
With that he claps.
Refreshments for our heroes!
Several servants carrying trays begin to fill the sideboard with assorted dishes and beverages.
Let us make merry for tomorrow you go forth to dispense justice to these highway men and make the Great North Road safe for travel and trade once again.
Julius head is spinning while he listen to the two negotiators.
"I don't get what this people is thinking. Why Ashar is fixed on money?"
"He seem to distrust the Baron. Why"
"Keith is asking for land and title ... that would mean being tied to a place to care for it. Owning some land and a house is a thing, but being responsible for all the people in your demense is another. I don't think I like that idea."
Later.
"The Baron think that Keith is our chief? It is that the reason why he is offering him a title if we succeed?"
As soon as the food and drink are set down, Ûzorgráng springs into action to feast. Looking like a bulky bear with the grace of gazelle. Despite shovelling in food and drink with alarming speed, he's meticulous and doesn't drop or spill anything.
Then with a bit of a twinkle in his eye, he says: "Thorgrund? What d'ya think? Twenty gold good enough to wager which one of us can thump the most bandits?"
"Oh, by the way. Thorgrund, Shyr and Julius, what do you say we set up some training time together? Being flabby just won't do!"
"Keith and Ashar: well done! You're both good at talking with important people. Me, I'm looking forward to thumping bandits, I am."
"Baron Lumont puts on a good feast. I'm full! Phew!". And with that he pats his stomach to indicate he can't eat another thing. Very unusual considering how often he states he's hungry.
"You have a wager going on who can thump the most bandits? I hope you will try to disable and not kill them, if possible. The Baron judiciary should decide if they deserve the death sentence."
Looking confused: "Just so long as they stop fighting, that is 'thumped'. If they surrender without fighting, that is 'thumped' too.
Keith seems more than satisfied and responds, "Most kind your Grace! We shall aim to please."
'I wonder if I should request maps and a list of names for those who have witnessed banditry? No that can wait for the morning. There is no need to burden his Grace with such trivia.'
The important part settled, Keith relaxes fractionally and spends the evening making polite small talk, and even more politely starts working on a excuse to ensure the party leave before any have too much wine.
If anyone asks Keith what he would do with lands he replies with a smile, "I had some small thoughts about setting up a school and a library, both magical and mundane. Open for all." He laughs depreciatingly, "Of course such plans are mere daydreams for now. We have much work to attend to first."
"I'll explain the difference between killing and not-killing to Uzorganag, Julius. Shyr said. She was stil a little uncomfortable about the negotiations, but she'd leave those concerns alone for now.
Ûzorgráng will listen attentively to Shyr's explanation, looking somewhat like a child who is being lectured on the difference between good and bad manners.
Baron Lumont seems to be in a good mood as he nibbles on this or that often only taking a bite or two of each thing before tossing the remainder on a growing platter of half eaten food.
He engages in small talk with you all, focusing mostly on Ashar and Keith, but if anyone else speaks with him he will politely listen and converse.
"I'll explain the difference between killing and not-killing to Uzorganag, Julius. Shyr said. She was stil a little uncomfortable about the negotiations, but she'd leave those concerns alone for now.
"Thanks, I am not against a friendly competition but I am against unnecessary deaths. Ûzorgráng has agreed to the idea that accepting surrender is a way to win his competition, so if seem that all is ok. "
- * -
Julius try to speak with Keith separately: "You want to find a land where you can settle down? I want to wander a bit more, but having a home is important."
"I had some small thoughts about setting up a school and a library, both magical and mundane. Open for all." He laughs depreciatingly, "Of course such plans are mere daydreams for now. We have much work to attend to first."
"A worthy goal, I would like to contribute to that, if you would like my help."
Julius take Keith word at face value and seem to really appreciate the idea of a public school and library.
"My job and duty to the goddess will require me to travel, would I would happily teach what I know and help with the funding of the school."
He become more serious: "A thing, friend Keith. I know that the way of my goddess isn't the way of everyone, but please, try to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. I would greatly prefer to apprehend the bandits instead of killing them, if possible. The Baron justice should decide if they deserve the death sentence or some other punishment."
Julius make a sorrowful face: "Naturally the lives of the honest people come before those of the bandits, ours included. So if we have to choose between risking the life of one of us or killing them, there is no doubt on our choice."
Keith replies, "Oh I'll settle down eventually, I imagine we all will. Right now though, well I guess you could say I'm footloose and fancy free. I still have a hankering to see some more of the world. How about you? Oh you'd like to teach at the school? Oh how wonderful. Well that time is a long way off but I shall bear you in mind!"
Keith listens to Julius's concerns about bandit killing in silence although inwardly he wonders, 'Why am I getting a lecture?' Once Julias has said his piece he smiles slightly, "Avoiding bloodshed is a good principle." 'Nobody ever liked blood on their shirt... Joking aside, he's serious.'
He frowns as he says, "The the thing is the bandits are not going to cooperate. Why should they? If they come with us they're likely to be branded, or have their necks stretched. No they're going to fight, tooth and nail. Look if we find one or two we may well be able to subdue them. Franly I'd support that, any intelligence we can gleam from a live prisoner will be of great use. The thing is they're not going to conveniently line up two by two. No they'll try to break us and I fear you will have no option but to kill or be killed. Trust me when that happens you'll be very glad to have our bloodthirsty friend over there around!"