The four of you are sitting at a table in the common room of the Greasy Spoon playing cards when a distinguished older man comes up to you. "Hello, I am Gurald Fellstone Mayor of Rhianna. I hope you have been enjoying your stay here in our village. Jorgan tells me that you all are often found here playing cards. Normally I would frown upon such behavior, but circumstances dictate otherwise."
The mayor sighs and shakes his head whill mumbling a bit under his breath. After a taking a deep breath he continues.
"You see, a few weeks ago the village was attacked by gnolls. That in of it itself not too unusual, such attacked are a part of making a life out here on the frontier. However, when our men followed the gnolls tracks they did not go into the hills to the southeast as would usually be the case. To our great dismay they lead to Blackstone, all the way to Lord Kent's keep. Lord Kent is a ruler of sorts here. He has charge of the keep and Blackstone from the Council in Durauch. Little credence would be given to our accusations should we bring them before the Council and we are not in a position to exact justice on our own. I do not know why the young Lord would consider with creatures, but it can't be allowed to continue. We cannot do much as I have said, But I think that you may be able to help us.
Lord Kent himself is a man who enjoys gambling. He recently announced he would be holding a gambling contest. This is where you come in. You see, if anyone from Rhiannan who were to enter the contest Lord Kent know of it and they would be watched closely. But strangers such as yourselves, you should be able to escape suspicion. I offer you this, I and the town with pay the fifty gold price entry fee for each of you. In return, you promise to investigate Lord Kent while within the castle and to determine why he has arranged for the attack on our village."
"So, did I get that right? Lord Kent, who was reckless enough to work with beastman to attack his own subjects, and getting away with it because unless something can be proven, he is above the law, is hosting a gambling contest. And you expect us to risk our lives by snooping around and trying to find something to incriminate someone that will, if he finds out, likely throw us into some dungeon for the rest of our short lives because he can and knows he will get away with that? And as compensation, you offer us to pay the entry fee - that very same entry fee that you would have to pay for one of your men if they were to enter the contest?"
She pauses shortly, taking a sip from the glass in front of her, then continues:"I do like gambling, but I also fail to see the appeal of risking my life in this gambit of yours. Besides, they would probably wonder how we managed to afford the entry fee if we don't have a coin to our name to pay for any luxuries at this Lordlings Keep or buy-in at a high-stake game. My sister and I may only be Vagrants, but I feel you will need to do better than that."
The spitting image of the previous speaker, sitting across the table from her, picks up: "Aye - there's a lot of danger and too little incentive in your suggestion. As she said, you'd have to pay the entrance fee no matter who you send to investigate. If you want us to take this risk, you'll have to make it worth our while. 20 Gold before we go there, so that we may play our roles, and believably claim that we paid the entrance fee ourselves. Another 30 Gold for each after our return if we manage to bring the proof you desire."
Kasit put his mug down as he listened, but his eyes widened as it began to tip over. Unbelievably it stopped on the edge of the table, and came back down flat, as if though caught by an invisible hand. He pushed the mug to a safe distance.
”That sounds fair. Twenty to gamble, and thirty in winnings if the overall gamble works out. To all involved.”
Junior says with his eyes wide with excitement oblivious his companions initial dismissal and subsequent bargaining, "Right? Sounds like a job for the four of us! When do we start? C'mon guys we have to save poor hapless lord Ken from those gnolls."
The Mayer does not seem taken aback by the counter offer continuing in stride he goes on. "The entrance fee pays both your lodging while staying at the caatle and is your buy in to the contest. I'm told that the winner of the contest will win a small fortune, one hundred platinum. That alone should be incentive enough. But perhaps you are right. I am asking you to take some risks. I, however have no assurance that you will do anything other that take my money and leave. I will however promise to pay you an additional two hundred gold pieces if you can bring me the information I need. I do have a few items that I can lend you to help with your search."
The Mayor pulls from his belt pouch a set of thieves tools, a pair of scrolls, and a potion and sets them on the table.
"There is another thing. The gnolls stole several items from the members of the village. If you find and return any of the missing items I would your ward you for each as well. In particular, the gnolls stole from my house my journal, along with several maps and books, along with a necklace that has been in my family for generations. I would be most grateful if they could be returned. I don't know why the gnolls would have cared at all for the books and maps. Perhaps it has something to do with Lord Kent. Anyways I've listed the stollen items on one of the scrolls. You would do well not to be found with such a list."
"Then we would do well to memorize the list, rather than take it with us.", she nods to her twin, who returns the gesture.
"That said, even if the entrance fee is our buy-in to the contest, some spare money on hand will be useful to have. It may grease a palm there, or allow us to participate in some private game apart from the main event. You know, getting to talk with people, learning things. The request for an up-front payment was very much a practical one, even if I understand your reluctance."
She looks back to Sonira, then at the Mayor:"That said, we are not unreasonable. If we manage to win the contest, Sonira and I will repay the entrance fee for the event, in full."
Shifting her chair a bit, she indicates the position at the table between herself and Kasit:"But certainly, there are more details to be talked about. Sit with us, and join us for a game -... I mean, you already placed your stake..."
She offers her most winning smile as she picks up the cards and starts mixing while Sonira eyes the items he placed in their middle.
Kasit sat back to watch the strange duo as they worked. He was quite glad to have someone so smooth-tongued on this sojourn. It certainly did seem like the sort of work that would require it.
Fellstone hesitates a moment before settling into a chair. "Very well, but I'd rather not play, I'll sit and watch. It would be good to get to know you each a bit. While I trust Goodman Jorgan's judgement knowing those I work with is normally something I make a point to do. We have time, you don't need to decide now if you'll take me up on my offer. The contest isn't for four days. Blackstone is roughly fifty miles from here though so I will need to know by tomorrow morning if you accept. Tell me about yourselves. Also I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have."
Junior orders another drink but then pulls a small gold coin with a horse emblem stamped on one side. He holds it to his head and rolls his eyes, "Ok Fred but only one." Junior then orders another drink. He sets Fred on the table far away from the pool and when he receives his drink promptly dumps it onto the coin.
”Why-why did you...?” Turning to Fellstone he said ”You checked this guy?”
Fellstone stares at Fred confused. "Uhm... Well, Master Jorgan... He said he seemed a nice enough fellow. He failed to mention..." Shaking his head he goes on in a more hushed tone,"you will be with him, right? I thought he was your associate."
Having finished mixing the cards while Fred gave Fred his drink, Sorina starts dealing them, including giving cards to Fellstone despite his insistence not to play.
Sorina was arranging the Cards while mixing them.
DC +5 for distraction
"You know, sometimes, not everything is as it seems. And sometimes, one needs to take a chance. A pity you don't want to play, with cards like that."
When she is finished handing out the cards, she flips those of the Mayor over to their visible side, revealing a winning hand.
She smiles apologetically: "You know about us what you need. You are unhappy you have to work with us, but things are what they are. I doubt you are interested in our life stories. Or how we came to be in your town. You want us to confirm that you made the right choice coming here and spending tax money of working folks on this."
She flips over her own cards, revealing a second winning hand, with Sonira following suite, also revealing a winning hand, making it a 3-way tie that would split the pot in equal shares.
"Let us say that you made the best choice you could in your situation. There are no guarantees in gambling, but you can always try to change the outcome in your favor. That said, do tell us more about this Lord, or any guests you know will attend. Rumors, especially. And relax. Get a drink and play a friendly round. Be open for something new, don't let your prejudice keep you from having a fun night."
Junior glazes over as the twins get to speechifying. And some say I'm long winded! He addresses their concerns with shock, "If a dear friend of yours, who happens to have no arms or legs requests a drink you'd get it for them I'm sure." Junior glares at the coin, "Assuming they haven't had enough already. No Fred just one, I don't like you when you've had too much."
When the twins turn over the winning hads yet again Junior says, "I'd think I'd notice if they were cheating Fred. Clearly just luck and skill."
The mayor is quite surprised at the hands as they are revealed. "Well perhaps a hand or two would not hurt, just to pass the time. Master Jorgan, a beer please.
Let's see, Lord Kent, his family has governed Blackstone for generations, it ibeing the seat of their lands. Lord Kent himself was studying in Durauch when his father passed away a few years ago and was recalled to take charge of the estate. Blackstone you may know is an strategic castle, build by the Council of Durauch in order to create a secure place for the dwarves to trade with our country."
Fellstone pauses as he accepts a beer from Jorgan. After a murmered thank you and a long pull on the mug he continues. "Anyways, the young Lord has mostly kept to himself since he took charge, we had little reason to complain until the attack. The one time he visited Rhiannan he seemed preoccupied and disinterested."
Pulling a handful of silver from his belt pouch he lays the coins before him on the table. "Deal another hand. We'll see if my luck holds out"
Kasit looked at his new companions warily.
He couldn’t see how she was cheating, in fact everything looked like it was on the up and up. Which to him just meant that she was good. And that Fred was a distraction.
And speaking of distractions, their employer had a purse of silver. Which he had conveniently opened to place a bet. Which meant that for someone like him, it would be easy enough to get a quick advance on the payment. Two good distractions, a dash of telekinesis...and he would (hopefully) be able to take enough to take the purse.
When the mayor next reaches for it, Kasit will wait until the man notices it gone. He will then place it back on the table with a smile. ”Just showing that you’re hiring the right people, is all. Count it, it’s all there. But I’d say you owe me a drink for the trick?”
The mayor barely sees Kasit's hand from the corner of his eye, before he can take the purse the Fellstone speaks in a dry tone. "I understand I'm hiring you do do skulduggery, but I also that you not ply your trade here in Rhiannan. You understand that I'd have to have the sheriff place you in custody and that would make you unable to accept my offer."
Kasit held his hands up, a smile on his face. ”Right, right. Just some practice ‘fore we head in there. See? Hands where you can see them.”
The mayor shakes his head. "Just remember what I said, if I catch you stealing anything here in Rhiannan things will not go well for you."
Sighing the mayor lays his cards on the table, "well, looks like my luck's run out. I'd best get going. You can find me at my shop let me know your decision by tomorrow morning."
He then stands and after gathering up the items he'd laid on the table turns to go, leaving the eight silver on the table he'd lost.
Kasit sighed. In annoyance he looked at a glass sitting on a nearby table and with his mind knocked it onto the floor.
”Not the impression I was going for.”
Master Jorgan, who had been watching the proceedings from behind the bar, walks over to clean up the mess. He's rather imposing for an innkeeper, wearing a hide vest with a well polished cudgel hanging from his thick belt. "Oy, don't go breaking me glasses just cause ya done somethin stupid. Don' worry yer selves too much, the mayor's a bit of a stickler for the rules, but he's a good sort and sharp too. If'n ya go and chat wit him I'm sure he'll still hire you, he's no fool. You lot are the best chance the town has at figuring out this mess. I told him so meself."
When he reaches the shattered glass Jorgan smiles and murmurs a few words. There is a subtle flash and the broken glass reforms. Hefting the now whole mug he pats Kasit on the shoulder and winks "I won't put it on yer tab."
”Would never break what can’t be fixed.” Kasit said. ”You’re taking the fun out of being childish, you know that?”
"Ah, don't sweat it, I know a thing or two about havin a temper. How'd you do that anyway? If'n it weren't just us in here I'd not have known it was you that don it."
Kasit shrugged. ”No idea.” He looked at the silver coins on the table. One of them slowly rose and rested on it’s edge. As he stared at it, it began to spin. ”It just started happening. Weird thing, puberty. You never know what to expect. Still can’t control it perfectly. That’s why I was seen. Thought it’d be good practice.” The coin fell back to the table when he looked back at Jorgan. ”How bout you? Your magic come to you, or did you have to learn it?”
"It came to me, or more like for me. When I was younger I tried joining the guard, but, well it weren't a good place for me. I couldn't handle being ordered around. I'd get mad, and odd things would happen. Made people other nervous, right scared me. So I quit. Old Sara took me on as a stablehand. She was a bard, helped me learn to control the magic better. Being with the horses helped too. She didn't have any young'ns so when she died she left me the place. I can't do much, just a few tricks, but it does come in handy. So in the end everything worked out I guess." Master Jorgan finishes with a smile. "I'm sure you'll find yer way too"
Junior yawns and says, "Gonna turn in, we'll need to head out bright and early!" He hums while heading to his room.
Master Jorgan nods to Junior. "That's probably for the best. I'll wake ya if'n you like."
The morning breaks as a crisp breeze sweeps away the last vestiges of the previous night's clouds.
”A good morning to you both.” Kasit said, with a mouth full of eggs. ”Almost done with breakfast myself. Shall we go see the mayor? I think it would be best if as few people as possible knew about us in town.”
Having won fair and square, Sorina decides to leave the coins as a tip for Jorgen - he vowed for them with the Mayor, so it seemed fair. As the Mayor turns to leave, Sorina puts her hand on the list: "Take the other things, it's good to know what you can provide, in case we accept the job - and it's good we get to sleep over it, not rush a decision. But the list of items you want retrieved - that would be helpful now, so that we can memorize it and not need to take it with us if we agree."
On Jorgens and Kasits exchange following the broken glass, she simply sighs:"Must be nice having magic to call on for such tasks."
The mayor nods and extend the scroll towards Sorina. "Very well, but I need an answer soon."
On the next day, Sonira was the first to leave the small room where the Twins shared a bed, in which Sorina was still curled up.
She started to prepare breakfast, then made a cup of herbal tea, which she delivered to the end of a short corridor, where she knocked on a door:"Good morning, Miss Meeks. Your tea."
Half an hour later, they were all sitting at the table, eating a simple meal of bread, cheese, and some smoked ham:"We received an offer for a job to be done for Mayor Fellstone - he hopes to learn more about the recent raid. We talked about it and we think it's the right thing to accept - that means we'll be gone for a while. Is there anything else you need delivered, harvested, or done before then? We'll tell him in the afternoon, so there's all day for errands..."
It was a good arrangement they had with the lady. Almost made them consider settling down. Almost. Maybe when they were old ladies.
"Aye," Master Jorgan chuckles, "but sometimes I'm not sure twas worth the cost. Either way I've made my peace with it."
"Ah, it's about time the Mayor did something about that."Old Carina clucks to herhelf before address info the girls in a kindly if chidding tone. "You girls have been wonderful company, but I'll be just fine. You should go speak with Gurald and let him know that you're taking the job. You'll earn more working for him than I can spare,."
"Well, what fun is money if the company is not?", one of the girls says. "That said, it does help make life more enjoyable. If there's nothing else we should help with, we'll head on over and let him know."
Several minutes later, the girls arrive at Jorgans Inn. While Sonira waits outside, Sorina heads in, finding Kasit and Fred alone at breakfast:"So, did you guys think on it? We're headed to the Mayor to let him know...we decided to take the job if he accepts the deal from yesterday - but it was an offer to all of us, so..."
”I’m in. It’s not like I have anything better to do.” Kasit said, as he finished his breakfast. ”How about you, Fred? You ready to go earn some honest coin?”
Junior looks over standing at the door ready to go. When asked about Fred's opinion he holds the coin up to his head, "Fred's in and I am too! Let's go tell Mayor Gerald!"
”Well if Fred says so, how can we back out. Have him lead the way and let’s be off!”
A small bell tinkles as you open the door to the Mayor's shop which is small but well lit through several large windows. Along the walls there are various items on shelves, most of which are rather mundane, foodstuffs, candles, farming tools, and other such items that one would typically find in a general store. At the back of the store however, behind a tall counter, are several shelves full of rarer fare. Odd trinkets sit next to bags, bottles, and worn books. There is a section dedicated to scrolls which poke out of small labeled cubbies. On the front of the counter there is a register written in both Common and Halfling listing scrolls that can be made on request.
The mayor, who is sitting on a high stool behind the counter looks up from writing, as you step inside.
"Good morning. So have you considered my offer? I warn you, you must tell me soon, or the chance will be gone."
The Mayor's eyes narrow a bit when he notices Kasit, but he doesn't say anything, just waits for an answer.
Making sure his hands could be seen, Kasit said ”Of course. And I can tell by your reaction that you will he glad to see us leave town...on this mission.”
Junior give Kasit a hearty back slap and Mayor Gerald a thumbs up, "We're very excited to do this kind of work!"
"Very good. When we spoke before there was some question about payment. I'd offered to pay your entry fee, two hundered gold for the information I need, a few items that may be of use, and a reward for any of the stolen items which you find and return. The ladies here seemed to think that wouldn't be enough, though they posed some good points. "
The mayor smiles and nods and acknowledgement towards Sorina and Sonira. "Consider this, I will advance you forty of the two hundered gold reward for your success. That will give each of you ten gold to bribe your way as needed. Also addition, to the items I showed you yesterday I will craft you you a scroll of your choice from those on my list. Would that be sufficient?"
Junior peers at the selection of spells and says, "Embiggen please."
”Fair enough. And cure light wounds, I suppose. Can’t use any myself anyways. But if someone puts a dagger in my gut I’d like to know it can be patched up.”
"We'll pick Coin Shot and..."
"...Ant Haul, please."
The mayor's head swivles back and forth between the rapid fire requests. "But which... I only said... Gah, very well." He turns to the cubbies and after searching for a bit and pulls out three scrolls. "Here, there's the cure light wounds, ant haul and sleep, that's the scroll I'd offered you before. The other two I will have to make. I can have them ready for you later this morning."
He then reaches under the counter. "Here's the cure light wounds potion, and the lockpicking tools." He pulls a key from his pocket and bends over again. There is the click of a lock, and you hear the clink of coins. Standing he places a small sack on the counter next to the other items. "This should cover your entry fee and your advance." He then fixes each of you in turn with a piercing gaze. "I'm trusting you each with a great deal. Know that this is important for everyone in this town. They may not know it now, but a great deal is riding on this working. Do not make me regret this."