The Legacy of Marianasu - DM Downrightamazed

Game Master downrightamazed

The great captain Korius Merit, of the Paladine of Izmir, summons a group of warriors of the air to retrieve twelve evil artifacts; the legendary Abominations of the long-dead archmage Marianasu.


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Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

Min nods, to Crystianne. "I didn't expect there to be many and yes, your completely right, I will have to hire a few officers to lead them in my stead. I am bound to perform duties that will require my full attention for some time. However this threat to Tautha though cannot wait to be addressed until later, so for now I thought I would start small and work our way up until I can lead them myself."

He looks at the list and then looks at Crystianne giving her an appraising look. "If you don't mind my asking are you one of the Guild Masters or are you looking for work as well?"

The Woth for DRA~:

The Woth: The Wolves of Tautha

Is a fighting force comprised mainly of rangers who utilize traps, both natural or man-made, and the terrain to their advantage while employing guerrilla warfare tactics to fight their enemies. They prefer to fight at range and only close with an enemy force if they have a winning advantage. If they are unable to win with minimal losses they are to fall back and harass the enemy from afar or retreat entirely. Because of their small unit sizes they are not much of a standing force and more of a well trained recon team.

They fight in units of 10-25 troops led by a single commander, future command will be based on Merit and decision by peers for who is promoted.

Their Initial Objective:
Discover, Map, Report and Disrupt supply lines to the dragonflight.

They are to find an eliminate supply lines by any means necessary to ensure that the Dragonflight troops start to regret their amassed forces. If they can capture supplies then they are to deal with them as they see fit, any supplies they are unable to remove from enemy hands must and will be destroyed.

Secondary Objectives:
Map enemy camps, command tents or erected bases/structures.
Kill or Capture enemy officers, interrogate them or deliver them to friendly troops who can.
Kill or Injure any enemy soldiers encountered. Injure is preferable when dealing with bands that the Woth cannot overcome easily.

Min's idea is just like what he had to do when they fled Heartland. Injured soldiers require resources to keep alive or to heal. Dead officers lead to a loss of Command Structure and possible loss of unit cohesion/morale. Disrupted supplies lead to angry soldiers and possibly outbreaks of disease or unrest.


Female Silastrix Archer 11 - HP 93 AC 24, T 16, Flat 18 - F+7 R+8 W+ 4 Init +8; Senses: Darkvision Low-Light Vision)

She gives a sympathetic smile to her husband. "Don't worry my love, I'll fix it." She gathers herself together straightening her garments, she cooly tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She takes a moment to find another worker preferably not the one her husband accidentally insulted. "Hello, might I borrow a moment of your time. I was hoping maybe you could direct me to an elderly gnoll that lives about the bar. Any help would be greatly appreciated." Her words were accompanied by a genuine kind smile.

diplomacy + hero point:1d20 + 4 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 8 = 29


@Aylaeth: You receive the same welcome but regretful decline from the Warbanians that Min did; these soldiers are already stretched to their very limit and cannot take on more or different work without a contract buy-out, which is prohibitively expensive.

When you go to trade your weapons at the library, an embarrassed intern informs you that any sort of "item procurement" is handled only by Van-Haera or one of her directly- and duly-appointed representatives, as the Library has no weapons or wealth of its own. It is, after all, just a library. Van-Haera has been serving as a central point of contact for you and the other Skyknights and Cassandra's protectors mostly to save time. In the end, though, you'd be better off heading to the market rather than relying on the limited resources of the university.

In the end, you and Tora'an arrive at the Adventurer's Guild, where you can see Min and the young woman you saw with him earlier -- albeit only briefly -- before she went off to do other things so you and he and Captain Lamorak could all talk in private.

A half-orc dressed in very fine clothes approaches you. "Madame. Good day. I am Haroq, one of the guildmasters here. How may I assist you?" When you tell him of your desire to secretly hire a phalanx of bodyguards for the professor, he smiles broadly. "Oh a most noble idea, that! Certainly we can assist you. Come this way, please." He takes you to a side room and produces a complicated roster of Known and Accredited soldiers-of-fortune for you to inspect. As he opens to the pages that describe warriors available both immediately and locally, he asks "So, before we begin, may I ask what your budget is for such an operation? It will help me pre-qualify candidates for you, you see." There is nothing unctuous or duplicitous about this half-orc, he's just very smooth, and really likes his job.


@Min: Crystianne smiles warmly at you but shakes her head. "Much as I might enjoy...ahm...serving you, milord, I am indeed one of the guildmasters here and must remain in the city. Thank you, though." Despite the double entendre, it's clear that the half-elf has given up on flirting with you, her tone much more neutral now. Although she is giving Sophitia some sidelong glances, you note.

"If I may make a suggestion for the two of you, " she offers, "there is a cadre of cavaliers who call themselves the 'Slain Throe' currently looking for work. They can be a bit difficult to get along with, but they have good hearts, they have a few rangers in their employ, and are all quite skilled at riding. They would need equipping and horses, but as I understand it are very effective once motivated. A force two platoons strong; 64 skilled warriors. I can take you to meet with them, if you'd like. They're likely your best bet for quickly organizing a cohesive unit."

You and/or Sophitia can give me a Sense Motive check here.


@Livain: The busboy you stop is a young gnoll, still scrawny and with the soft fur of an adolescent. "Oh g-gosh, ma'am, he...he doesn't much like to talk to folks about much of anything. He usually comes down to the bar around...hey, here he comes now!" The youngster points with a slightly shaking paw at the side entrance, where a spectacularly old and grey-muzzled gnoll has tottered through the door. He looks positively ancient.

The pup leans in and whispers to you; "You didn't hear this from me, but he has a fondness for dwarven ales for some reason, and he collects gemstones. Both tend to loosen his tongue, if you catch my meaning." He gives you a nervous smile and scampers back to work before he can get yelled at for slacking off.


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

Min - Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 17

Sophitia - Sense Motive 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Min, sensing a change in the mood, gives a sigh and sets the pages down. He was being too focused again, a real bore as Lin would put it. "A pity, I had hoped to get to know you better. Please allow me to apologize for being a bore, the last few days have been difficult." His newest scars itched something fierce, a fresh reminder of his recent brush with death.

He nods at her suggestion, smiling as he ignored the Don't you dare... look he got not-so covertly from Sophitia. Despite their rather unsettling name, the Slain Throe sounded like a good starting force to send to Tautha. "I'd like to meet them,, whenever is easiest for them or their Officer's at least. I am curious though if you would allow me the honor of treating you to dinner. It's the least I could do for all the help you've given me."

Cha Check: As I didn't know if this fell under Diplomacy. :P 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20


Male Elf Witch 5 / Ranger 1/ Eldritch Knight 5

@Livian
"Doest you believe tha ol gnoll knows o an abomination?"

Belsarious stands up and heads over to the old gnoll racking his brain of gnoll stories related to the great trackless woods as he goes.


Female Sylph Magus (Staff Magus & Cabalist) / 9| HP 72/72 AC 23*or more*, T 14, Flat 18- F+9 R+8 W+9 Init +4; Senses: Darkvision 60ft; Per +9(+11))

Despite herself Aylaeth finds herself responding to the charming half-orc, his enthusiasm for his job being somewhat contagious. Smiling she answers genuinely "I'm afraid you have me at a bit of a loss Haroq. I am a professor, and a soldier. I have never been an 'adventurer for hire' and so I do not really have any proper frame of reference. Professor Sundine is a capable man, and his quarters are already protected by an anti-magic aura. Yet as both you and I know, it is still very possible to do someone harm without any magic being involved. Thus it seems to me that the most suitable guards for him would be those whose effectiveness is not in any way hampered by the absence of magic. In terms of scheduling, it seems that the most crucial periods where protection would be needed would be during the night, when the professor is asleep. So an eight hour shift, perhaps?"

Pausing for a moment in thought, the magus frowns slightly then continues "But as there have already been several attempts on his life, perhaps round the clock protection might be necessary as well. As for budget, in regards to that, I am not sure. How much protection, for how long, and of what calibre would, say, 1,000 gold provide?"


@Aylaeth: The orc invites you to sit and produces a piece of parchment with scribblings on it. He does some quick math, then nods, and shows you his calculations.

"To protect someone of Professor Sundine's stature, it is my recommendation you go no lower than what we call a 'Level Four Resource.' We happen to have a fair number of those available right now, and they cost 4gp/day each to hire. For 24-hour protection we also recommend a maximum shift time of six hours per guard, which takes you to a total of 16gp/day, which would get you 250 days of guaranteed 24-hour protection by four pre-qualified, skilled warriors for your professor friend. Of course, if you want to stretch your budget a bit you could use fewer guards and get longer protection for your money, but the more you increase their individual shift times, of course, the greater risk you take that a given guard will be tired, etc. Standard stuff." The math on the page is simply the numbers he just rattled off, clearly spelled out.

"Now!" Haroq begins again. "If you really want to see your friend safe, this is your lucky day. We have a number of Level Ten Resources available right now, some freshly rested from hard overland campaigns and looking for some in-town duty -- a few have even fought with the Liberators of Manaus! -- to take a break from the road. They cost a lot more -- 10gp/day -- but are really worth the money. For a rotation of four guards you'd get 25 days of protection, 50 days for two, obviously."

The half-orc leans back and smiles. "Would you like a moment to mull it over?" Looking at the roster, you can see that what Haroq just told you appears to be true. There are columns in the ledger for each warrior's name, primary skills, height, weight, etc., and then their respective level within the adventurer's guild. You see that there are only a couple low-level resources available, several at level four and five, a curious dearth of resources at 6 and 8, then a bunch at 7, 9, and 10.

See the OOC thread for more details.


@Belsarious and @Livain: the old gnoll's head snaps up and he stares accusatorily at Belsarious. "Abominations? How dare you bring those things up in here! What do you know of them?"


@Min: Crystianne smiles and gives a shake of her head, then puts her hand reassuringly on your shoulder. "It's okay, calm down. My elven blood burns hot and I forget myself sometimes. You don't have to pretend to be interested, I can see you're not the type." Looking at her, you can see she doesn't mean this to be unkind, she's just calling it like she sees it. "I promise I'll leave you be. We are, after all, trying to do business here. That said, dinner would be nice." She gives a kind look to Sophitia, with no trace of the carnal hunger that earlier lingered her in her gaze. "With both of you, of course."

She stands, still smiling but now radiating much more neutral body language. "I can actually take you to the Slain Throe right now. They, uh, they aren't far." She sounds vaguely embarrassed.


Male Elf Witch 5 / Ranger 1/ Eldritch Knight 5

"Could it be truth, is it possible yah knows first hand o tha taint upon one tha ken happen."

leans close to the gnoll
"I brought one such tah be destroyed from tha trackless wood, we ave sought an destroyed others, an now we seek those still in tha world an I shall destroy tha all I will not rest though it may cost my life they shall all perish."


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

Min looked at Crystianna, his warm and friendly demeanor hadn't changed in the slightest despite her withholding information from him. He was honestly pleased she accepted his dinner invitation. "My elven blood burns as well, but i would like to know what else you haven't told me about the Slain Throe." Sophitia looked surprised for a moment and before she look away from him answer back to the guildmaster he raised his hand, silencing her momentarily. He wasn't trying to call the guildmaster out, he was more concerned that those he were looking to hire would do more damage then good...

"Its important to me that those I hire represent the best of us..."

He couldn't stop Sophitia completely as she searched this woman's being for further treachery. At the flash of her eyes Min gives a somewhat disappointed look before looking back at the guildmistress.

Detect Evil on Crystianna


@Min: The half-elf is about to speak when she, too, notices the flash of divine magic in Sophitia's eyes. She turns to the cleric with a look of disappointed disgust on her face. "Are you quite finished?" she asks contemptuously. "Did I say something you disagree with, cleric, so now you peer into my heart looking for evil? I admit I have not told you everything about the Slain Throe, fine, I admit it! But does that then equate in your simple black-and-white religious worldview to being evil?" She pauses, clearly deeply insulted but also deeply embarrassed at having been caught in a salesperson's little white lie. She is blushing furiously.

"Fine. Look. The Slain Throe...they're good. Hells, they're great; fearless and fearsome. But they're reckless. We can't...we're having a hard time hiring them out. They say they were once part of a bigger force, and that that force is coming back someday, and it drives potential employers away, alright? And we need them working, dammit!" She sighs. "I don't know how it works where you lot are from, but here in Stormfare, people don't have armies just laying around for you to hire, okay? With leaders and barracks and mounts and everything. The Slain Throe maybe are risky, but like I said, they're easily your best shot at getting this "organized force" you want. I'm trying to help, okay? I just...I want you to see them, at least, see if they might work for you. We've had so much trouble with them..."

She gives you a pained look and a weird, wry smile. "So do you want to meet these jerks, or what? Your other choice is to pick a bunch of individuals and then spend a couple months training them. Your call, flyboy." Crystianne is obviously fighting to control her emotions. She wasn't kidding about being hot-blooded. On the one hand she obviously appreciates that you're not trying to be a jerk towards her, but on the other hand she is also obviously deeply incensed at Sophitia's presumptuousness in checking her for evil.

Sophitia does not detect any evil in Crystianne's aura.


@Belsarious: The Gnoll looks back at you. "I know not the taint personally, but I've felt their evil upon my heart. If you seek to destroy them, y'art a fool. It can't be done. I saw one myself, saw it deep in Katapesh, out in the desert. Watched it rip apart a tribe of mighty warriors, each one falling to its siren's call until only it was left where once a great army stood."


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

Min shook his head as he realized Sophitia was still head strong since last time he'd seen her and now he knew why she was having a hard time working on gathering people. She was too young still and needed some refinement and they're contact would need some calming down. Without another word he stands and bows his head apologetically. "Forgive her she is young and means well despite her way of going about things it won't happen again."

Sophitia looked embarrassed, she had reacted to quickly and her poor judgement had just done untold damage in this meeting. She stands and flushing deeply as she also bows her head apologetically. "Please accept my sincere apology, I had no right to do as I did."

With that they both stood fully and he looks to Crystianna, understanding fully why she had hid that last bit from him. "I understand your frustration, believe me. Sophitia I will see you later please return to the Quad and make sure everything is ready to go. I look forward to meeting Lelnelciyz." He butchered the celestial name some as he was unfamiliar speaking such a high language. At First Sophitia looked reluctant but she quickly nodded her head.

"You won't be dissappointed and I will see you later then Lord Min." She said the last bit as a half joke, knowing full well he hated that title.

Min sighed slightly at the last remark and shook his head at the retreating Sophitia. He then waved his hand for Cyrstianna to lead the way. He was smiling at the woman's last comment, Flyboy as a new one and he'd not forget it. "Now Guild Mistress, if you would be so kind as to show this humble flyboy the way to these reckless warriors." He said this in a light joking matter, hoping to calm Crystianne down and salvage what he could. He was however very interested in meeting these soldiers.


Male Elf Witch 5 / Ranger 1/ Eldritch Knight 5

"Deep in tha desert o Katapesh? Name tha form o tha abomination? I hast seen abominations destroyed an had mah hand in tha acts. Ken you draw a map to tha area tha abomination wast?"


@Belsarious: The gnoll shakes his scraggly head. "I canna draw a map, but I can tell where I saw it; in the desert plains north of Katapesh, by the highest peak of Mother's Tooth, where they say the Gembasket is. That's where the Steelfang tribe was, and now is no more, not since that thing -- which looked like a plain, metal goblet to the mortal eye, a large one with two handles and unseemly carvings and trim and jewels on it. -- claimed every life. Turned them all to a horrid and stinky yellow goo, which became an impenetrable and deadly and growing swamp that exists there to this day. If ye go there, and ye'd be a FOOL to do so, well, you won't be able to miss it. Anyone can direct you to that peak, and tell 'em you want Slime Swamp. They'll call you crazy before they point the way. And they'll be right."


@Min: Crystianne gives a tight smile and waits until Sophitia is gone, then leads you out a side door and down a clean street with lots of artisan shops on it -- cobblers, candlemakers, bakers, and of course the inescapable purveyors of coffee and tea and klah. She eventually turns toward an anonymous door in the middle of the block; looks like it leads into a three-story building.

"Now...like I said...they used to be part of some other unit, and they're kinda...resentful. And reckless. But also lethal." The guild mistress opens the door, and inside is quite a site to behold.

Perhaps 50 warriors or so, mostly men but some elves and half-elves and roughly split down the middle on gender lines, all sit in a dark hall. barely lit by scant daylight and guttering torches and fireplaces. They're in normal clothes that are grease-stained and threadbare, but their muscular builds belie the roughness of their cloth; these are clearly people who are staying as fit as they possibly can. All heads turn when you and Crystianne walk in. Almost immediately, they all turn back to what they were doing, dismissing the two of you entirely.

In the center of the far wall, over the largest fireplace, hangs the banner of the Lionhearts.


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

He nods and follows her down the street, making sure to remember the route back in case things went south. He smiles at Crystianne and was about to say something when he saw the banner over the fireplace. He tensed up, visibly, his bicep muscles straining against his chainmail as he takes in the sight before him wordlessly. "I think I understand why..." He takes in the room and the people there, they were an impressive force indeed and he hoped that he could indeed hire them but at the moment he had to try and be tactful. If they were resentful, then the last thing he wanted to do was anger them.

If Crystianne doesn’t appear to move any further Min takes the lead. He doesn't step any farther into the hall of the Slain Throe, prefering to speak from the threshold after he had closed the main door. ”Now that is a beautiful Lionheart banner there, it is a about the size of one of the one’s I’ve found in my travels. It is in much better shape though.” He mean't every word, despite the ill he had heard about them he believed deep down that the Lionhearts were a force for good.

He knew his voice would carry well enough in this hall, whether or not this goes over well, or even gets there attention he presses on. He looked to Crystianne then. ”Merry meet one and all, I am Min Bein Ramaloce and I seek permission to enter your hall and speak with your Commander.“

If needed~
Diplomacy - Improve Relations 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23


Male Elf Witch 5 / Ranger 1/ Eldritch Knight 5

@ Old gnoll

"Many thanks tah yah, I have languished too long in this place wit no purpose an o no use. I shall destroy tha abomination as I ave others, an live to tell tha tale, or die in tha attempt. Cry not fer me wise elder, take heart though tha, tha abomination shall be no more!"

@ companions
"Did thoust hear? Tha skyknights have word o an abomination an we must ride. Helps me gather them others."


@Min: One of the men in the room, a roguishly handsome fellow with a thick thatch of black hair on his head to match his flashing obsidian eyes and cruel mouth slowly turns to look at you and Crystianne. He gives you a strange, flinty-eyed look as he speaks. "Looking to talk to our commander, eh?" he asks softly, with a voice like a knife. All the other warriors in the room chuckle unkindly. "Well, you'd best take a seat, then, 'cos that's gonna be a while. We're not expecting him back for some time."

Crystianne winces and shakes her head. "Sprack, c'mon, not this aga-"

The man cuts her off. "It's true and you know it." He gives her a strange, wild look before redirecting his gaze back at you. "I'm guessing you're not one for word games, Tuathan, eh?" Again the dark chortling from all corners of the shadowy hall. "If you're here to buy our banner, it's not for sale. If you wish simply to see it, well, there it is." He continues to eye you suspiciously.

Crystianne gives a weary sigh and leans in to whisper in your ear. "I'm sorry, Min, they're always like this, but believe it or not they're actually being nicer to you than most anyone else I bring in her, for whatever that's worth."

Don't bother making a Sense Motive check; it's obvious this guy doesn't trust you, and your comment about "Lionheart banners" has really made him edgy. All the others in the room are watching this conversation with great interest and discomfort.


Female Sylph Magus (Staff Magus & Cabalist) / 9| HP 72/72 AC 23*or more*, T 14, Flat 18- F+9 R+8 W+9 Init +4; Senses: Darkvision 60ft; Per +9(+11))
DM Downrightamazed wrote:

@Aylaeth: The orc invites you to sit and produces a piece of parchment with scribblings on it. He does some quick math, then nods, and shows you his calculations.

"To protect someone of Professor Sundine's stature, it is my recommendation you go no lower than what we call a 'Level Four Resource.' We happen to have a fair number of those available right now, and they cost 4gp/day each to hire. For 24-hour protection we also recommend a maximum shift time of six hours per guard, which takes you to a total of 16gp/day, which would get you 250 days of guaranteed 24-hour protection by four pre-qualified, skilled warriors for your professor friend. Of course, if you want to stretch your budget a bit you could use fewer guards and get longer protection for your money, but the more you increase their individual shift times, of course, the greater risk you take that a given guard will be tired, etc. Standard stuff." The math on the page is simply the numbers he just rattled off, clearly spelled out.

"Now!" Haroq begins again. "If you really want to see your friend safe, this is your lucky day. We have a number of Level Ten Resources available right now, some freshly rested from hard overland campaigns and looking for some in-town duty -- a few have even fought with the Liberators of Manaus! -- to take a break from the road. They cost a lot more -- 10gp/day -- but are really worth the money. For a rotation of four guards you'd get 25 days of protection, 50 days for two, obviously."

The half-orc leans back and smiles. "Would you like a moment to mull it over?" Looking at the roster, you can see that what Haroq just told you appears to be true. There are columns in the ledger for each warrior's name, primary skills, height, weight, etc., and then their respective level within the adventurer's guild. You see that there are only a couple low-level resources available, several at level four and five, a curious dearth of resources at 6 and 8, then a bunch at...

As she looks over the numbers, the magus' sharp mind immediately picks up the errors in the half-orc's calculations. However, having been raised in a palace and well-schooled in courtly manners, she does not directly draw the error to his attention. After doing some quick calculations in her head, she nods to herself, deciding what she wants. It was going to end up costing her more than she had originally figured, but as her big sister, General Vittoria, had drilled into her growing up, "If you're going to do a thing, do it Right, or don't bother doing it at all."

Out loud Aylaeth says "Alright Haroq, here's what I'm thinking. It seems to me that the night shifts will be the most important, so I will go with your level four representatives during the day, and level seven guards during the night. For two months of 24hr protection, that should come to 1,320 gold. On top of that, I'd also like to hire an investigator, to track down the source of these attacks, for there's little purpose in constantly having guards on the professor if the threat to his life is never going to cease. I would like the investigator to report his or her findings directly to both Professor Sundine and Van-Hearra. I don't imagine that the investigation should take longer than two months, but if it does, I would like it and the protection to continue as long as necessary. If my credit is good with you, I shall pay any extra fees or expenses upon my return to Stormfare. Should any ill befall me or I am unable to return for some reason, or, after a reasonable time of my absence, any remaining expenses can and will be covered by Prefect Na-Selene of Lesotho, my mother." she finishes with a significant look and slightly arched eyebrow. I can write you a note, or whatever you feel appropriate, to prove that the request does indeed come from me."

Then, considering something else, she adds "Should the investigation go well and the threat to Professor Sundine be ended before two months time, after any additional investigator expenses are covered, 10% of the remaining monies are to be paid to the guards as a bonus, and any remaining funds are to be given to Professor Sundine, to use as he wills." tapping her finger to her lip in thought she says "I believe that covers almost everything? Except our agreeing on a suitable investigator and their rate of course."


Male Silastrix Magus (Bladebound Kensai) 11 (HP 83/83 AC 30, T 23, Flat 11 - F+9 R+9 W+8 Init +12; Senses: Darkvision 60ft Low-Light Vision (X2), Per +13

Maiathreen can't help but give Belsarious a glance. To hell with it he thought. "There's a reason we came here. We were given a small metal artifact that supposedly can point out one of the abominations. How did you get ahold of such a thing and do more exist?"


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

Min shakes his head at Crystianne. ”No need for apologies milady, I was like them once...” He looked at the speaker, his eyes hard and steely in response to the mans insulting tone and distrust. ”Don’t guess at my intentions, I have nothing but respect for what that symbol Still stands for and I’d never degrade it like that.” With it hopefully settled he continued. ”My intentions were to offer you all work fitting your obvious and superior skills, seeing as your Commander isn’t going to be here then I’d like to discuss with all of you then. That is if you want to hear my proposal.”


Male Silastrix Magus (Bladebound Kensai) 11 (HP 83/83 AC 30, T 23, Flat 11 - F+9 R+9 W+8 Init +12; Senses: Darkvision 60ft Low-Light Vision (X2), Per +13

dot


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

bump!


Male Elf Witch 5 / Ranger 1/ Eldritch Knight 5

"A tool! I trust tha instincts o mah own taint in findin tha abominations."

Belsarious appears a little offended in this idea of being replaced by some kind of compass.....


@Mai, @Belsarious, @Livain: Mai Intimidate check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

The old gnoll snorts and gets in Maiathreen's space, clearly not afraid of the Silastrix magus at all. "You need to learn manners, pup!" he growls. He looks with sympathy at Belsarious and Livain. "I assume this one is with you, yes? You should keep him on a shorter lead. If he were one of my slaves back in Katapesh, why I'd..." He trails off and shakes his head. "No. Those times are behind me. Listen, all of you; the thing I found was in the sand, in that place where the Steelfang were. A storm revealed it to me. Maybe there are more? I canna say." He sighs, then starts shuffling past the three of you. "Now go. I want to eat in peace. I've told you all I can tell you."


@Min: This "sprack" looks at you in amazement, his irritatingly smug half-smirk never leaving his handsome face. Crystianne looks worried.

"Your...I...sure." Sprack is incredulous. He looks at the others, who shrug. Clearly they have no problem hearing your proposal. You still feel like there's some joke they're sharing that you're not getting, but it doesn't seem to matter as Sprack speaks up again. "Yeah, the commander...he's gonna be a while. Maybe a couple months at least. So we'll hear you out. What have you got for us?" His attitude is that of a hotshot, but his interest -- like the interest of the others in the Slain Throe -- appears to be completely genuine.

Crystianne's expression changes to one of guarded hope.


@Aylaeth: Haroq is able to recommend a few good investigators, and after looking over the contracts to make sure everything is on the up-and up -- your training in Law coming in very handy in this regard, the half-orc gives you a 5% discount for the payments you make up front, and as a kind of good-faith gesture given your lineage and connections. You are wrapping up business as you see Min and another of the guild masters -- a very pretty half-elf woman -- depart together. They're out the door and gone before you can hail them.

You can follow if you want, I'll just insert you into that scene where it stands now. Your call.


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

Min keeps his face neutral, he didn't know how to read Sprack or any of the other Slain Throe members and whatever it was they were hiding was irritating. Despite it all though he ignored it and focused on the business at hand, he stepped into their hall, taking their agreement to hear him out as an invitation to enter for now.

"What I am proposing to you is not for my gain in anyway, I am not seeking glory, recognition or riches." With that said he began the proposal, keeping his voice lively and truthful through out as he tried to keep their attention. "It has come to my attention recently that the Black Dragonflight are assailing the borders of Tautha, encircling the city of Haelith. Information I received makes it appear that the fighting is at a stand still but its only a matter of time until they marshal their forces for another push on Haelith. This information is also several moons old and it is my hope that with more boots on the ground we can figure out what it is the Dragonflight is up to and disrupt them as best we can."

Not wanting to lose their attention he got to the point. "I want to hire you to Find, Map, Report and Disrupt enemy supply lines. This is the main objective, if we can weaken them we can disrupt their ability to move forward, break their morale and slow them down. Granted to fully stop them would require a greater force so your secondary objectives are to map out any enemy positions you discover and share this information with friendly forces. You are to kill or capture any enemy officer you find if possible, if your unable to interrogate them then your to turn them over to someone who can if able. You also will have full rights to take down any enemy patrol you find, if their force is too large to overtake then aim to injure and hamper their forces. I want them to waste supplies, chase shadows, while fearing the wrath of an unfamiliar and mobile force that is turning the terrain against them."

"Your going to be on your own, their is no base waiting for you and you will have to remain as mobile as possible. No permanent camps, nothing that will allow them to hone in and surround you. You get the drill."

"Any items you take from fallen enemies are yours to do with as you please, any overtaken supplies are to be split evenly. Half for you and the other half to be sold if possible, the supplies that are sold are to be split in half again. Half to be used to upgrade yourselves or buy whatever it is your lacking and the other half I leave for you to outfit more soldiers to up the ante in this fight."

"With me so far?" He had a nagging feeling that they wouldn't agree, not without their commander present and he was itching to know who their commander was, for now he had focus on building bridges. Not burn them.


Female Sylph Magus (Staff Magus & Cabalist) / 9| HP 72/72 AC 23*or more*, T 14, Flat 18- F+9 R+8 W+9 Init +4; Senses: Darkvision 60ft; Per +9(+11))

In the midst of completing her business with Haroq, Aylaeth is more than a little surprised to see Min, accompanied by another of the guild masters, leave the building. However, although curious as to the purpose of her fellow Skyknight in the adventurer's guild, she is far too caught up in her own business to pursue that line of thought at the moment. Besides, she fully trusts her Tuathan ally to be about something which benefits the side of good in some way.

Looking over the final figures and nodding in satisfaction she stands, saying "Thank you once again Haroq for your courtesy and professionalism. I feel much more assured of the Professor's continued safety and the swift end to the troubles which plague him once the guilty parties are discovered and dealt with accordingly. I ask that you do keep Van-Haera regularly apprised as to the results of the investigation, for if anyone should know how to contact me, it shall be her. And finally, I remind you once again that, should Professor Sundine inquire as to the source of this protection and investigation he is to be told only that it comes from 'A Patron who feels your life is well worth the cost.', and nothing more than that."

Grasping his arm firmly in farewell, she adds It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance Haroq, may Abadar bless you and all your business transactions. Until we meet again."

Making her way outside, she heads to Tora'an, placing her hand affectionately on the powerful neck of the magnificent steed. Addressing both her companions she says with a smile "Well, that went even better than I had hoped. I feel much more confident now of the Professor's continued safety and security." Lifting herself effortlessly into the saddle she finishes saying "So, what say now we see about your safety and security, Tora'an, my Anydaeu"

If the area to seek barding for Tora'an is close, they shall ride there, if a greater distance away, they will fly.

So, I think I'm all good here with the adventurer's guild DRA. Just need to know how much to deduct for the investigator and I guess the total after her 5% discount. Thanks!


@Min: Despite their insular insouciance, the collected warriors in the room seem very interested in your proposal. A whip-thin elven lady speaks up from the back of the room. "So this would be...this would be like an autonomous thing, then? No army or nothing? No commander in our leader's stead? Just the lot of us, tramping around Tuatha, harassing black dragonflight scum? You're talking-"

Sprack cuts her off. "-he's talking about a contract, Tharannali...a contract. Actual work." He's speaking over his shoulder to the elf, but his eyes never leave yours. Slowly he swivels his head back in your direction, then stands. He's a couple inches taller than you, but not as muscular. "Alright then, Tuathan...you've got our attention. We're exactly the force you need. But you'll be...somewhere else, yes? It'll be just us down there while you're elsewhere? Just want to make sure I understand you exactly." Now that you've made your proposal, Sprack's attitude has suddenly warmed up a great deal. He really does seem quite interested in the work you're describing, as do all the others.


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

Min nods at the elven woman's words, his eyes piercing the dancing darkness of the hall and find her for the briefest moment before looking back at Sprack when he starts talking again. He nods to Sprack as well, a little more hesitantly this time before he speaks again. "Yes, you'll be an independent force, following the objectives I've given as best you can. Granted I want you to share your information with friendly forces you meet but that will be strictly up to you as to how you will do that. In lieu of your commander's absence I thought it would be best that you elect a temporary officer in his stead, based on a vote of peers as to who could command you for now. I wouldn't so brazenly hire an unknown to command such an organized group, this would be entirely from within your own group, and yes..." His knuckles cracked as he flexed his hand, regretting the fact he wouldn't be there to join them in the endeavor. "I won't be able to join you for some time, my current oaths have me traveling all over the land and the mission I am on is of the utmost importance. Once that is over though I will turn my attention fully to Tautha because having a dragon in the sky has more benefit then I could describe."


Male Silastrix Magus (Bladebound Kensai) 11 (HP 83/83 AC 30, T 23, Flat 11 - F+9 R+9 W+8 Init +12; Senses: Darkvision 60ft Low-Light Vision (X2), Per +13

Can I tell about how old the gnoll is?


Maiathreen Gyssearnith wrote:
Can I tell about how old the gnoll is?

Not precisly, no, but you can easily tell he's well into the "Venerable" age category.


Male Silastrix Magus (Bladebound Kensai) 11 (HP 83/83 AC 30, T 23, Flat 11 - F+9 R+9 W+8 Init +12; Senses: Darkvision 60ft Low-Light Vision (X2), Per +13
DM Downrightamazed wrote:
Maiathreen Gyssearnith wrote:
Can I tell about how old the gnoll is?
Not precisly, no, but you can easily tell he's well into the "Venerable" age category.

Venerable for a gnoll...is it like dog years? Would that be over or below 75?


@Min: Sprack speaks up quickly. "I'll act as a liaison and de facto leader if need be, that's no problem. And we'll gladly share whatever intel we get with other friendlies. No worries there. Yeah, we're in." He looks quickly to Crystianne. "So do you, uh..."

"I have contracts here, but I need to discuss the rate with Min, I-"

Sprack cuts her off, looking very intense now. "The rate is nothing. We'll do it for free. Take what you need, guild mistress, but we want nothing. We'll do it for free...we'll do it for freedom!" The other warriors all suddenly stand and roar in approval. Their erstwhile leader has to yell, now, to be heard over the din. "IT'S WHAT HE WOULD WANT! FOR THE LUCKY DRUNK, FOR CAYDEN CAILEAN! AND FOR THE COMMANDER!" He turns to face them and pumps his fist into the air while an astonished Crystianne looks on.

Sprack turns around as the cheering settles into excited talk. He is grinning ear to ear and is looking at you with new respect. "Well?" he says, and it's directed at Crystianne. "The contracts?"

Suddenly remembering herself, the half elf pulls a couple work orders from her shoulder bag. She barely has time to set them on the table before Sprack finds the signature line and signs.

"There! It's done. We're yours, Tuathan. I understand you'll probably want to negotiate fees with miss Crystianne here in private, but after you've signed, if you could come back here, we'd love to have an ale and toast your health, and get the full story on the mission. Deal?" Sprack holds out his hand. His enthusiasm and good cheer are not only genuine, they're infectious. He's a very charismatic man when he wants to be. He'd make a good leader if he weren't so mercurial.


Maiathreen Gyssearnith wrote:
DM Downrightamazed wrote:
Maiathreen Gyssearnith wrote:
Can I tell about how old the gnoll is?
Not precisly, no, but you can easily tell he's well into the "Venerable" age category.
Venerable for a gnoll...is it like dog years? Would that be over or below 75?

Mai wouldn't be able to pinpoint a year; he doesn't have any of the right skills. Best he could manage is to guess that if this gnoll were a human, he'd be in the 70-90 range. If he were an elf he be thousands of years old. But these are total guesses on your part.


Female Sylph Magus (Staff Magus & Cabalist) / 9| HP 72/72 AC 23*or more*, T 14, Flat 18- F+9 R+8 W+9 Init +4; Senses: Darkvision 60ft; Per +9(+11))

Hello?


Female Silastrix Archer 11 - HP 93 AC 24, T 16, Flat 18 - F+7 R+8 W+ 4 Init +8; Senses: Darkvision Low-Light Vision)

Livain is taken back by the abrupt departure of the gnoll. She is barely given a chance to react. Before the word, “wait…” could leave her lips, the gnoll had left. Livain couldn’t help but try to figure out a way to pursue for more information but his parting words obliterated all hopes of receiving any more information from him.


Male Silastrix Magus (Bladebound Kensai) 11 (HP 83/83 AC 30, T 23, Flat 11 - F+9 R+9 W+8 Init +12; Senses: Darkvision 60ft Low-Light Vision (X2), Per +13

Maiathreen suddenly feeling exposed in a gnoll diner with a surly old gnoll. Who are the locals more willing to assist, the questioning furless ones or their elder? "I think we've learned about all we can for now. Lets try and meet back up with everyone else and see if they've discovered anything new."


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

For Freedom. The words struck a cord with Min, reminding him of the homeland he lost and the birthplace he was just starting to fight for...

He smiled broadly then, hiding his shock at how things were turning out before shaking Sprack's hand. "Excellent, I expect great things from you all. Once things are finished up with the guild I will return and speak with you all further." He couldn't help but be caught up in the man's sudden good cheer, a decent quality for a leader as long as his mercurial nature didn't get in the way.

Min turned to Crystianne. "Do we need to go somewhere quieter to finish the contract or what do you prefer?" He remained smiling, he wasn't smug or arrogant about how things turned out. He was simply glad that things were turning out for the best, especially as far as the guild was concerned anyway.


@Min: Crystianne jerks her head toward the door and leads you down the block to a cozy coffeeshop whose walls are bookshelves. Dozens of students hunch together over coffee and tea at the tables, deep in discussion about obscure historical topics, the arcane arts, interpretation of prophecy, or any of a hundred other subjects.

The guild mistress leads you to a quiet table in an alcove and spreads the contracts in front of you. "Okay, so this is going to actually be really, really easy. Since they're forgoing their fee -- which, to be honest, actually seems right in character for those guys -- I only need to charge you for commission and guild expenses." In the interest of transparency, she does the math in front of you on a piece of parchment. Apparently that entire platoon of Slain Throe are all level 7 resources. The lease price plus expenses for boarding and feeding them and their mounts comes to 35,000, of which the guild requires 8%, but these troops are so difficult to unload that Crystianne gives you a discount and only charges 5%, meaning you owe the guild 1500gp.

The pretty half-elf pushes the final figure towards you. "That's as low as I can go, I'm afraid, but I know the guild would approve the discount since they'll be thrilled that I've contracted out the Slain Throe. If this amount is acceptable to you, then I just need a signature and you're on your way." She signs in the 'guild representative' spot, then points to the signature line at the bottom of the contract, next to Sprack's hastily-signed name.


Male DraRid 9 - HP 66/66 AC 23, T 14, Flat 19 - F+7 R+10 W+6 Init +4; Senses: Superior Low-Light Vision (X4), Darkvision 60ft; Per +14

Min studies her as she works out her math, the scribe in him calculating along with her and when she's finished he gives her a warm smile as he signs his name at the bottom of the contract. "The terms are more then generous and you will be paid in full today. I can't express how much I appreciate your help and I look forward to using your aid in the future and perhaps convincing to join us if this endeavor proves fruitful." This is just the beginning, the first step towards a brighter future. He wouldn't let any of his doubts disrupt this moment of progress. If the Slain Throw proved decent in the field, then the possibilities would prove worthwhile for further troops to be brought into the fold...

He snapped out of his wandering thoughts and focused on her again. "I will meet you here tonight and complete our arrangements before dinner, that is unless you wish for me to meet you somewhere else instead."

As I know we are trying to move forward I await the handwaviness to begin~ :)


Male Elf Witch 5 / Ranger 1/ Eldritch Knight 5

"Aye agreed meeting tha others an lettin them know o tha gnolls tale an location o an abomination surenly we will ride post haste."


Heh. Thanks, Min.

All of you meet back in the quad at around 4:00 and are able to secure a meeting room in the officers' compound in which you can talk and exchange information from your travels throughout the city today. Some of you still have business, but it's business that is to be concluded on the morrow, or later this evening, so you have some time to talk.

The duty sergeant brings in some food and beverages from the mess and lets you know to just inform him if you need anything else, but that otherwise he and the rest of the soldiers will leave you alone. Most don't know what your mission is -- and, being good soldiers, they know better than to want to know -- but they know it's important and can be aided by secrecy. So they watch for unwelcome guests, and keep quiet and out of the way.


Male Silastrix Magus (Bladebound Kensai) 11 (HP 83/83 AC 30, T 23, Flat 11 - F+9 R+9 W+8 Init +12; Senses: Darkvision 60ft Low-Light Vision (X2), Per +13

So since Damian is the leader should we wait for him to start?


No, you can go ahead and start.

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