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The grippli looked around nervously and began to visibly shake at Nycholas‘ remarks. He breathes an audible sigh of relief after Ratel explains the meaning behind the words. He looks at the apple in his hand and mutters before taking another bite, ”Adorable.” And tasty.
He tries to follow the conversation about the rod and the significance of the number four and thinks aloud, ”Grippli know there are four winds, four phases of the moon, four seasons, and four elements. Most animals have four legs….” He strokes his chin in though as he continued, Dogs, cats, deer… four is pretty common could mean just about anything.” Determined to solve the puzzle he continued to contemplate the problem in silence.
Hyll picks up the strange green gem/glass odd looking baton? candle stand? 4-5" long. 1" cylinder with 2 ends 2" around flat on the ends with the odd rune...the number 4 in Azlanti. The glass? was extremely smooth. but warm to the touch.
Corwin remarked Ive detected it for magic. its not enchanted, but seems to be inherently magical ...like it could hold an enchantment. That being said it does hold a faint conjuration aura.
Then he turned to Ratel and said Unfortunately I cant add you to mine. The names have to be added at the time of purchase. However I am prepared to provide the money for the warrant, and a small amount to aid in your outfitting the expedition should you need some supplies before venturing off.
"That would be more than generous, and much appreciated." Baerlon says, as if that settles the matter.
Then he turned to Ratel and said Unfortunately I cant add you to mine. The names have to be added at the time of purchase. However I am prepared to provide the money for the warrant, and a small amount to aid in your outfitting the expedition should you need some supplies before venturing off.
"Additional funds can prove very useful" - Edeldhur raised his glass at Corwin - "And thank you for advancing the money for the warrant"
He tries to follow the conversation about the rod and the significance of the number four and thinks aloud, ”Grippli know there are four winds, four phases of the moon, four seasons, and four elements. Most animals have four legs….” He strokes his chin in though as he continued, Dogs, cats, deer… four is pretty common could mean just about anything.” Determined to solve the puzzle he continued to contemplate the problem in silence.
"That is actually very insightful" - he comments with a long nod at Rooip, and takes some additional notes.
"Someone cast an enchantment spell on it, then." Nycholas says, setting the 'horn' in the center of the table. He himself had some talent with magic, but it was not inherent ability like his fiancée. After years of studying and experimentation, he could cast from scrolls and wands and spellbooks, but he had none of those things with him.
Raising an eyebrow as MacDugal volunteered to pay for the groups Warrant and aid with outfitting the expedition. Ratel nods in agreement with Baerlon and Edeldhur, "Yes very generous of you MacDugal." Raising his pint of ale with the elf, "To MacDugal and our expedition."
He smiles, waving the pint at the device as Nychols sets it on the table. "And to finding out what four means to those who built the emerald smile." Taking a small sip from the pint, he sets it down on the table.
Looking around the group, he asks, "Since MacDugal has offered to help with outfitting. What do you need that you do not already have? I am only carrying about five days worth of food. Do we want to be in the Spire longer than that?"
Arthdane happily joins the toast, "To Corwin's generosity", taking a deep drink of ale (no sipping here). If we are going for a multi-day expedition, sleeping out there, I have a mule that we can bring to carry some of our gear. But you say it’s only 6 miles from town, call it a two hours march. For a first expedition, we could make it a day trip – leave town with the break of dawn , be there by mid morn , leave by mid afternoon and be home and comfy for supper .
"I have a few days worth of rations also" - Edeldhur replied to Ratel - "If we obtain additional funding, I will most likely purchase the necessary materials to scribe one or two Arcane scrolls" - he added.
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Raising an eyebrow when Arthdane downs most of his ale then talks about taking a 'day trip' to the Spire, Ratel chuckles and comments. "Arthdane, you know it's ok if you spend a night somewhere that doesn't serve alcohol right?"
As Edeldhur begins speaking about needing scrolls and such, Ratel looks at MacDugal, trying to figure out how deep the pathfinders pockets really are. Sipping the last of his pint of small ale, he sets the stein down and pushes away the empty bowl of stew. "Maybe we should wait and see what we get into at the spire, so we can make better use of the funds."
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Raising an eyebrow when Arthdane downs most of his ale then talks about taking a 'day trip' to the Spire, Ratel chuckles and comments. "Arthdane, you know it's ok if you spend a night somewhere that doesn't serve alcohol right?"
...
With a straight face and a serious tone, Arthdane replies "No, actually, as a matter of faith, that's not all right at all."
As Edeldhur begins speaking about needing scrolls and such, Ratel looks at MacDugal, trying to figure out how deep the pathfinders pockets really are.
With a straight face and a serious tone, Arthdane replies "No, actually, as a matter of faith, that's not all right at all."
Pausing, Ratel couldn't tell if Arthdane was serious or not. Not really sure of the mans religious convictions Ratel Shrugs his shoulders. "Ok, if it will help, I have a tent and can get a bottle of hooch. When we camp I can charge you to sit in the tent and drink the hooch." Nodding as if he had solved the dilemma, Ratel looked at the others.
Corwin was smiling at the banter and said pulling out his purse and placing 20 platinum pieces on the table. I wish I had endless funds but for now this Is all I have available.
"So, if you're not goin' into the tower with us, what is your roll here, Corwin? What is the Society hoping to get out of this? They trying to stop these monster portals out of the goodness of their own hearts or is there something you hope we find down there?" At the end of the day the Pathfinder Society wasn't really risking anything here but a few platinum pieces. Not that he cares much. He has his own reasons for exploring the Spire.
As if awoken from a trance Rooip suddenly announces, Rooip has figured it out. Most of the profane words in your common tongue are four letter words. The rod could be used to beat people who use those bad words,” he pronounced smugly.
Corwin was smiling at the banter and said pulling out his purse and placing 20 platinum pieces on the table. I wish I had endless funds but for now this Is all I have available.
"Thank you again Corwin" - the elf raised his glass at the man - "We will put the money to good use"
As if awoken from a trance Rooip suddenly announces, Rooip has figured it out. Most of the profane words in your common tongue are four letter words. The rod could be used to beat people who use those bad words,” he pronounced smugly.
"I think you may have just cracked it Mr. Rooip" - Edeldhur nodded at the grippli, taking further notes.
Raising an eyebrow at Nycholas' Bluntness, Ratel notices that MacDugal's fellow pathfinder was quick to jump to his defense. Curious to hear MacDugal's response, Ratel Turns and looks at Rooip as the Grippli nearly jumps out of his chair with the solution to the number.
Giving Edeldhur the stink eye when he indulges Rooip, he decides to leave it alone and chuckles. "You may be right Rooip, but there is only one damn way to be sure, were going to have to go there."
Giving a loud belch, he looks around the table. "If were not heading out this afternoon, what are going to do?"
Having a full belly (to the bursting), Arthdane has an answer for Ratel: "Useful things we can do this afternoon? Obviously, go visit the Hellknights and do the charter paperwork. Afterwards, we can go shopping with what remains of Corwin's money. If we get that done, we can leave tomorrow morning."
”Rooip agrees shopping and an early start.”
Looking surprised at Rooip, Ratel smiles 'Shopping? Good I wasn't sure he had fully grasped the concept beyond simple bartering.' Nodding with Rooip's idea as he stands from the table. "Shopping it is." Not having any pressing needs himself, he looks to his friend. "What do you have in mind?"
Corwin had listened to the discussion go back and forth quickly...when Nycholas had sarcastically inquired about the Pathfinders hope for gain. he paused ready to answer and noted how quick Arcanus jumped in...so he paused. as the talk turned to heading out to do some shopping...
he stopped and interjected
Nycholas, as to your query. You make an assumption that The Society has skin in the game...which they do not. Yes I am a member of that erstwhile organization. That being said, I dont always see eye to eye with my comrades. You can say Im here of my own accord, though they will receive a full report. See My views are more benevolent leaning toward the organization having to have more responsibility and be more proactive, heading problems off before they become problems. At Times that puts me at odds with the powers that be. This is one of those times. If that changes your viewpoint, I apologize and you are more than welcome to bow out.
Now if you want to know what I have to gain? Then its simple. Knowing that we have stopped a threat...and knowledge that will enable me to stop more threats....
"Arthdane seems to have the right of it" - Edeldhur comments, finishing his meal - "We take care of the charter, then we can split the remaining, and do some purchases"
Now if you want to know what I have to gain? Then its simple. Knowing that we have stopped a threat...and knowledge that will enable me to stop more threats....
"A commendable mindset" - he adds, nodding at Corwin.
"Arthdane seems to have the right of it" - Edeldhur comments, finishing his meal - "We take care of the charter, then we can split the remaining, and do some purchases"
...
"A minor point, I did not say split the rest of it. Rather, we might be better off with a couple of more expensive items to be held by the group. For example, healer's supplies aren't cheap. I have a healers kit, and it is at the groups disposal, but, I only have enough supplies for perhaps 5 serious issues..."
"As you prefer" - Edeldhur shrugs - "I could use a portion of those funds however, to buy arcane materials, and scribe a couple of magical scrolls if possible"
As the conversation about what to buy continues, Ratel turns to MacDugal and asks, "MacDugal where did you say we needed to go to purchase the warrant?"
You buy the Letter of Warrant at the Hall of Rectitude.
The meal wound down and Corwin said As I said, I got rooms for all of you here, tonight in the Inn. Just check in with the staff, they will give you your rooms. Rooip youre in with Ratel. The rest of you have your own rooms. I will leave you to your affairs now. I wont be here tomorrow morning, as I have pressing matters to attend to. When you return, send a message to Royst. I will meet you back here for a debriefing. By the way. Abernard has asked me to have you return maps of the various levels of the spire to him for his research. He will pay you. Additionally The Lady Commander will pay you rather handsomely for putting an end to the villain that is represented by the Crowned Skull that The High Lady foretold.
Arthdane stands up and says "Well, it's settled, the first thing is the Warrant. Let's move our stumps to settle our lunch." That said, he heads for the door...
Making a mental note of the 'Hall of Rectitude' and the other general information MacDugal shared, Ratel, chuckles when he hears that he and Rooip would share a room. 'Good thing we both traveled light.'
Nodding as Arthdane moved towards the door, followed by Arcanus. Ratel slings his pack over one shoulder and picked up his Bardiche from against the wall, following the other two.
Stepping out the door, he points towards the fountain, "It's that big building on the right, before you get to the fountain."
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By the way. Abernard has asked me to have you return maps of the various levels of the spire to him for his research. He will pay you. Additionally The Lady Commander will pay you rather handsomely for putting an end to the villain that is represented by the Crowned Skull that The High Lady foretold.[/B]
"That is excellent" - Edeldhur reacts at the mention of maps - "I am sure we will be able tocomply" - he adds with a nod.
"Until we meet again Corwin" - he bows to their host, and departs after the others.
Stepping out the door, he points towards the fountain, "It's that big building on the right, before you get to the fountain."
"There is the place where we will obtain the warrant?"
The group exits the Julliver Arms, and heads down the cobblestone street. Unlike many towns, Fort Inevitable was quite well maintained. The folks within going about their business in an orderly manner. No smiles on folks faces, but no worried frowns either.
just straight business.
Right past the stables toward the south the Hall of Rectitude was located. Arthdane knew it well. He had spend two months in one of the cells inside. Coming out for several hours a day to maintain the well maintained town.
There were several doors. one went to the Magistrate and jail, 1 to the courthouse, and one to the clerks office. It was to the clerks office they went.
The building was perfect in its form and function. A stout door opened to a foyer within a Hellknight Armiger stood to the side watching those conduting business within. He nodded as the group entered, and smiled when he saw Nycholas. The clerk was a pinched face bookish man with steely gray eyes.
Whats your business? he said in a voice that grated like chalk on a board.
Nycholas leans against the desk, knocking once on it with his fist. "Applying for a Letter of Warrant. Have, uhhh, seven names for it."
The Man looked at Nycholas and nods. Very well He pulls out a Ledger sets it on the counter, grabs an inkwell and pen, pulls a document out. then pulls a letter of warrant out.
He says Each of you come sign the document and the ledger with your entire name. If you cannot write, make your mark and Ill enter your name. Then I will take your 50 Gold. and enter your names on the warrant. Then I will explain your entitlements, and duties.
"Explain the entitlements and duties before we start signing names and putting gold in your hand if you please."
Following Nycholas and Arthdane into the building, Ratel nods in agreement with Nycholas. As Ratel steps up to make his mark, he hears Arthdane ask the clerk to tell them the entitlements and duties before they sign. Pausing for a moment he looks from the clerk to Arthdane, breathing a sigh he sets the pen down. turning back to the clerk, he rolls his eyes but waits for the descriptions.
Rooip is about to make his mark when Arthdane asks for clerk to explain. The grippli stops and his shoulders slump as he asks, ”Are we going to talk more about the 30 percents?”
The faces pinches more, if thats possible as the clerk's face becomes very raisin like. Then he sighs. Very well.
He pauses then states as if he done this hundreds of times.
ok This Letter of Warrant entitles the parties annotated upon it to perform duties as lawful representatives of the court seeking to stop crimes against the persons and citizens of Fort Inevitable. They can seek to detain, bring in, kill if necessary any threats to the peace and well being of the citizenry without fear of repercussions for their actions This jurisdiction is allowed within 20 miles of Fort Inevitable. If the actions fall within the jurisdiction of another lawful entity, then the closer will hold precedence. This allows for information gathering 1 time a week at the Chancery or The Hall of Rectitude for records. The Parties upon the Warrant are expected to report all occurrences to the Sergeant of the Watch at the gate they enter in immediately upon arrival back in Fort Inevitable. All treasure gained from clashes with sentients must be reported and agreed on values notated at the gate. Within 1 day 30% of the total must be taken to The Hall of Rectitude for accounting. Treasure is considered anything of value brought into Fort Inevitable. The Sergeant of the Watch at the gate is authorized to come to agreement with the parties involved as to the value of any item present.
any questions?
Hearing 'treasure is considered anything of value brought into 'Fort Inevitable' Ratel smiles. When the clerk is done with his monologue, Ratel looks to Arthdane, then back to the clerk. Thank you, reaching for the pen, he signs his name in simple block letters. 'RATEL DIER' Extending the pen. "Who's next?"
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Rooip friend is next,” he exclaims as he makes his mark
Edeldhur calmly reads through the documentation, then signs it - "If we are unable to sell or convert the items we have acquired within one day, what are our options?" - he inquires from the man.
Arthdane takes the pen from Edelhur and gives the clerk a gimlet eye'd glance. He sighs and signs on, 'Arthdane Sarkanaroka' and passes the pen onwards.
The man glanced at Edeldhur and nods that of course is a very good question. First is the order does take items as payment. They don't have to be converted to cash. If the value exceeds your 30% you will be given either cash, if available, back....or a credit towards valued items the Order might have available...orfsiling that a credit off your next 30%
Nodding at the simplicity of the Hellknigts system, Ratel didn't like paying taxes but it seemed they were trying to be fair about it.
Looking from the others to the clerk, Ratel asks, 'Um you mentioned gathering information at the Chancery or the hall of Rectitude. Is one like where they hang the wanted posters and the other a library?"
Remembering something he had heard from one of the farm kids. "I heard one of the farm kids mentioned a 'goblin fort' do you know what the bounty is on goblins? Or would we learn about that at the Chancery or the Hall?"