Good morning sir. We heard that there have been some attacks to the caravans.
We are expirience guards and we're wondering if you are hiring guards to protect your caravans
The clerk adjusts his spectacles and clears his throat before speaking - "Well... Hmmm... Your interest in helping protect the caravans is appreciated sirs, but I must inform you that we are not currently hiring additional guards for that purpose"
He pauses, taking a moment to study the group -"But even if we were, I am not sure you could be selected, I am sorry to say" - he adds - "While I'm sure your intentions are good, we don't know you or your capabilities. The Guild Master has made it clear that such decisions are not to be taken lightly, especially given the recent troubles with bandits"
He glances around the modest reception area, then continues - "However, we all did hear about that unfortunate incident with the caravan arriving at the gates with only a horse and a half-dead child... The situation is dire, and those willing to investigate such matters are always needed" - he paused -"Though I cannot guarantee any sort of recompense for it, I could definitely put in a good word with the Guild Master if you decided to embark on such investigation..."
Riiight... Something to consider after talking to the bailiff I'd say... after which d'Reco looks across the party for reactions, taking a step back and turning as if to leave.
Clearly, d'Reco isn't keen on doing a job like this out of the kindness of his heart.
Kallum huffs and turns to leave, muttering under his breath, "A good word doesn't put ale in my mug..."
" A broken knee cap or foot may give some coin." Rizana says still slouched and sighed.
Clerk Harrow, am I right? - says Lan before his companions start to disband - we're looking for a paid job, but if we find something suspicious we'll look into it. Have a good day. - finishes Lan with a nod before leaving.
The bailif it is then. Lets go guys before Rizana starts hiting something... or someone - says Lan with a friendly smile to the halfling
Clerk Harrow watches as the party discusses among themselves in the cramped space of the reception area. He interjects just as the group turns to leave - "Wait, please" - he says, his voice steady yet carrying a hint of urgency -"I understand your need for tangible rewards, and while I cannot offer gold or silver upfront, the Guild Master does reward information that leads to securing the caravans. It's not just a good word, it could be a good sum, depending on what you find"
He leans forward, resting his hands on the wooden counter - "You can consider it an investment in future work with the Guild. Prove your worth, and I assure you, jobs that pay well will be in your future"
The clerk then reaches under the counter, pulling out a worn map with a few spots marked in red -"These are the recent trouble spots. If you're heading to see the bailiff, perhaps take a glance at these. Who knows, you might come across something..."
He offers a small, knowing smile, pushing the map across the counter towards Al'Lan - "Safe travels, and may fortune favor your bravery"
With that, Clerk Harrow gives a respectful nod, signaling the end of the conversation, leaving the decision in the hands of the adventurers.
Thank you clerk Harrow. We'll have your words in mind. - says Lan guarding the map before leaving to the street
When everyone is out he says - [b] Lets go sit on a taverna and study the map before going to the bailif.[/bb]
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If the map is open, Draven quickly looks at the map to see if the spots are close together, close to any relevant map feature, or seem to follow any other pattern.
Were these the most valuable caravans? Did they all come from the same origin or any other pertinent lore you could bestow?
I am grateful for thy information; this cannot be our foremost concern at the moment, yet we shall ponder it should the occasion present itself
Talking with the group:
I'm in agreement, let's make haste to the bailiff, but let us take the map, for who can foretell? Perchance we may journey near some of its marked locations.
Kallum nods. "Never hurts to get a bit more information before taking on any sort of risk. Let's go talk to this bailiff, then we can sit down over a drink or three and study this map."
"Looks like they might be desperate to have someone look into this. Between that and maybe whatever the bailiff might have for us, we should have plenty of possibilities ahead of us!"
He orders a round of drinks for the new party.
When his companions start going on different directions, Lan tries to gather everyone with him - Guys, lets get a look at the map before we go to the bailif. If he has more then one job we can choose one near one of the attacks to a caravan. - then, with a grin he adds - Besides that, Dobin whants to offer a round and I don't want to be rude
Regnar keeps following the group and looks in a bad mood
He just perks up a bit at the mention of the tavern
If ye want to go gallivanting in the wilds, fine. But let's not do it here too. Best we speak with the bailiff afore we sit down for a dr... I mean for planning. At least we won't have to get up again
" So baliff, beer then bashing" Rizanna says agreeing with it. She was getting restless.
Alright, we're off to see the wizard! says d'Reco feeling quite restless himself. Wait, wizard? I meant bailiff! d'Reco corrects himself, beginning to wonder about his sanity...
Were these the most valuable caravans? Did they all come from the same origin or any other pertinent lore you could bestow?
I am grateful for thy information; this cannot be our foremost concern at the moment, yet we shall ponder it should the occasion present itself
The clerk seems surprised when Draven tells him this is not their foremost concern, just moments after they came in to look for caravan escorting jobs, but he does not comment on it, instead adding - "I have already overextended my competences by giving you the map, and I have not studied if there is a pattern to the attacks, but I do hope you find it in yourself the will to investigate the occurrences"
Good morning sir Baliff. - says Lan adressing the baliff - Some men at the tavern toled us that you were contracting adventurers. We are interested to know to what jobs are you hiring sir.
"Good morning to you" - the bailiff replied, his eyes sharp and assessing as they move over the group. He leans forward slightly from where he stands, hands resting on the table that separates them, indicating his interest - "I guess the tavern folk have been speaking of our need for adventurers, have they? But indeed it's true. We're always in need of courageous lads and lasses" - he straightens up, crossing his arms, but the intensity of his gaze does not waver - "There is no lack of challenges around these parts, that much I can tell you. If you can prove your abilities that is, and you survive, for sure there will be ample opportunity for valor and reward. So tell me, what CAN you do?"
We're stalwart adventurers one and all, each of us looking for opportunities to test ourselves against evil. And make some coin while we're at it, why not.
After this answer which he'd clearly been mentally rehearsing, d'Reco clears his throat, visibly ashamed, and adds
My apologies for the admittedly vague response but our group formed only yesterday and we've yet to get familiar with each other.
I'm Pah d'Reco, a cleric of the Church of Traladara and disciple of Zirchev. To learn what I can or cannot do is actually the best part of why I'm here so please forgive me if I don't give you a better answer.
Rizana speaks up straightening her self. Though dishevaled a bit she smiles." Rizana Thronewillow, Basher of daces, knees, hands, and more." she says pattinf her well cared for mace.
"I am Dobin Cur, mercenary for hire and adventurer."
"The priest has the right of it, except maybe the whole opportunities against evil bit...definitely right on the making some coin bit." The older, thin adventurer states.
"The name's Kallum Vorrs. I'm around for when umm...how to put this.. a more delicate touch is required."
The bailiff listens intently, and once the introductions are finished, he gives a small nod - "I will not deny there are many troubles plaguing the region. Bandits, goblins, and other vile creatures threaten the safety of the Keep and its people" - he paused - "Firstly, there have been increased reports of banditry along the trade routes. Just recently, a caravan arrived at our gates with no one driving it, only a limping horse and a half-dead child inside. The bandits responsible for this must be dealt with. Investigating this incident and bringing the culprits to justice would be a great service to the Keep"
He looks at the map on the table - "We have rumors about lizardmen attacking travelers and locals alike. Their lair is believed to be in the swamps area. If you could find and neutralize this threat, it would certainly be looked upon favorably"
Leaning back, he crosses his arms - "Lastly, we need regular patrols around the Keep to keep the area safe and to gather information on any emerging threats. This might seem mundane, but it's crucial for the safety of our people"
The bailiff looks at each of you with a final, assessing gaze - "Prove yourselves in any of these, and you will not only earn coin but also the respect and trust of the Keep, myself included. Once you have accomplished one of these tasks, return to me, and we can discuss a reward"
He straightens up, his expression firm - "The Keep has need of courageous and capable adventurers. Show us that you are worthy, and there will be no shortage of work for you"
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Hello, I'm Draven Skywatcher, a magic user, I aspire to deepen my knowledge of the arcane arts while accruing coin, for the pursuit of magic is a costly endeavor.
Let us confer upon our possible courses of action before we bind ourselves to one.
Assuming he doesn't add anything I turn to the group:
Do you wish to render thy judgment here, or shall we engage in further parley over a beer?"
"The beer...or something stronger...sounds good." Kallum says.
"Agreed. Let's go study our options before deciding what to do. I don't think the bailiff here cares which route we take, and would be happy if we accomplish any of these tasks."
Aye, sounds good to me!
Lets go. I think better a round a beber
" Fine" Rizana says slouching as she seems defeated.
" I just wanted to bash some skulls" she admits as she falls in line with the others almost looking like a defeated soldier.
When we get to the tavern, get a table and ask for the drinks, Lan puts the map on the table so that everyone can study it.
I say we can get "two rabits with one shot" like we say in Malkieri... maibe even more then two if there are caravans attacked near the swamp - wherever that is. Let study the map. I don't know about you but I don't know the region and this map realy comes in handy.
" So allow our selvws to get ambushed?" She says looking over the map.
" If we do, we need to make sure to let a couple flee, preferrably wounded to follow back to thier rabbit hole."
The Halfling looks at the map and lets her hand run over it following the marked routes.
" We assess thier 'Rabbit Hole' then strike at night with fire and oil. Use light and smoke to confuse them then bash thier skulls in when they run out...just like real rabbits" She sahs with sadistic glee in her voice.
Good heavens Rizana, remind me not to get on your bad side, d'Reco says with a chuckle.
Any attacks near the swamp? I'm especially interested in the lizard man business...
The bailiff watches as you discuss among yourselves, a faint frown of curiosity crossing his features - "It seems you have much to deliberate" - he says with a nod - "Return to me when you have decided on a course of action" - he then turns his attention back to the documents on his desk, clearly dismissing you from his immediate concerns.
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The group makes their way back to the tavern, the clamor of the bustling keep gradually giving way to the familiar sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and the murmur of hushed conversations. Securing a table in the corner, Lan spreads the map across the worn wooden surface as drinks are brought over.
As you huddle around the map, studying the routes and potential areas of danger, Pah d'Reco recalls his knowledge about lizard men. As a cleric of Zirchev, god of the wilderness and protector of beasts and humanoids, d'Reco knows that lizard men in Mystara are known to worship a deity called 'Ka the Preserver', an ancient immortal who values survival and the preservation of life. Their rituals often involve offerings of captured prey and elaborate dances meant to honor Ka's teachings of balance in nature.
... so it occurred to me that maybe the reason the lizard men are becoming a nuisance is that they themselves are being disturbed, says d'Reco visibly enthusiastic as he tells the group what he knows about the topic.
It could be that our brigand and lizard men troubles are just one, he adds scooching over to take a better look at the map.
I think you're right Draco. Lets see If there are bandits attacking caravans near the swamp
" Ooo I like that idea, Bashin' Bandits" Rizana says woth a sparkle in his step ans passion in her voice
"Works for me. Besides, if we don't find somethin' for Riza to bash soon, she's gonna start lookin' at the rest of us." Kallum says gruffly.
"A two for one. Sounds good to me! Let's go and see what we can find in these swamps!"
While he may sound eager, the warrior could well think of several places he would rather be than a swamp!
"Works for me. Besides, if we don't find somethin' for Riza to bash soon, she's gonna start lookin' at the rest of us." Kallum says gruffly.
" Why would I bash you Kallum,I like you! You shared your bacon with me"
"Works for me. Besides, if we don't find somethin' for Riza to bash soon, she's gonna start lookin' at the rest of us." Kallum says gruffly." Why would I bash you Kallum,I like you! You shared your bacon with me"
"I didn't say I'd be first...you just get a bit into it when you start breakin' kneecaps and better safe than sorry." the old rogue says with a wink.
I think you're right Draco. Lets see If there are bandits attacking caravans near the swamp
Seems like all the attacks were between the keep and that forest there...
What do you say we gear up and just travel that stretch of road looking for traces?
We'll see what turns up. Lizardmen or no, we'll find out.
The attack closest to the keep is also the one closest to the swamp. I say we go check that área.
" Smashy smashy" She says patting her mace.
"Gotta start somewhere." Kallum says with a shrug. "Might as well be there."
"Easy there Riz, save some of it for the bandits and lizardmen!", Dobin says while smiling at the vicious halfling.
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Examining the locale of the caravan ambush may reveal to us traces of the offenders. Should we succeed in locating them, coin from the bailiff shall be ours,and should they evade us, conveying insights to the guild could grant us access to forthcoming opportunities.
I agree with this course of action.
Let's reach the bailiff to make it official.
As a party, any equipment we should get before embarking in the journey? or what do you think about hiring someone to help us, for example, someone who knows the area and could be an additional sword in case of need?
I think we can go without hiring anyone. More people means more people to divide any money or loot that we find.