"'Gold and Black' has a nice ring to it. Refined but a bit mysterious and not too cutesy. Maybe a bit presumptuous since we don't have much gold. Wanderkin also works for me."
"'Wanderkin also works for me."
”’Wanderkin’ works for me as well,” Olf nods, easy about almost any prospect. If this was to be a family affair then let the name reflect those roots.
”Shall we go see about this permit today? Or tomorrow? We should speak to that guy, for sure.”
You'd know that any official offices are long closed for the day - it being after supper already.
You’re not sure about Dasho’s cousin, Volset - or what hours he may keep. Chances are, it would be polite to visit him during the day as well.
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Gertrude spends a minute thinking, moving her hand in the air as if arranging something. ”’Wanderkin’ is sensible, easy to remember, representative, and easy to say. Gold and Black does indeed have a refined, mysterious air but only when said in full, and people will always tend towards informal shortenings and smoothings of names. ‘Most likely G and B or Goldblack, which would change over time to GB and Golblack over an extended period of time. The ‘and’ is clumsy and the back-to-back hard consonants of ‘d’ and ‘b’ are difficult to enunciate in succession.” She knows all-too-well this truth from how much effort people put into shortening and smoothing her own name.
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"So tomorrow is talk to Volset, get licensed, and get digging. Anyone else want another drink?"
Halvar heads to the bar for another ale and to see if he can find Dasho to ask about how best to reach his cousin.
"So tomorrow is talk to Volset, get licensed, and get digging. Anyone else want another drink?"
Olf declines, meaning to leave soon to go see Flora and explain things, and prepare for tomorrow. Once the timing and meeting spot is set, he'll offer his goodbyes and be ready at the appointed time the next day.
Halvar does indeed find Dasho - in his office as usual, leaving the day-to-day operation of the pub to underlings as is his want.
"Greetings and welcome. What can I do for you?" he offers, recognizing you by face, if not by name exactly.
Halvar explains he wants to reach Dasho's cousin, and Dasho breaks into a grin. "Oh, Volset will be quite pleased. He's been on the hunt for another group to add to his stable. You can find him in his offices most of the time, though his duties do require some time away. I believe he has an able assistant though. Make sure to mention me of course. Deep discount!"
He gives you the address on a small scrap of paper (a corner of the back of a weekly) and suggests visiting in the morning, but not too early!
Some of you get another round, and some depart for other ports. Feel free to continue to chat. Later I'll move us on to morning.
Oh - where to first upon the next day? Volset or the Crim bureaucracy?
Aelin nods, as Halvar encourages, and joins the warrior brother at the bar. More hands means less trips back and forth. And it gives the half-elf a chance to hear what Dasho has to say by firsthand, which is the best account.
Aelin looks over Halvar's shoulder at the address. "'Deep discount', eh? That implies a decent ante in this wager of ours. We might not have what we want immediately, if we need to raise some coin to pay for our new position..." Aelin raises a questioning eyebrow to his brother.
"Wonder if we can work on contingency."
Kallie finds herself yawning after her second mug. She blinks a little sleepily at Aelin's good point about a 'discount' implying a cost, and rubs at her nose with the back of her hand.
"Well, I suppose we can go see his rates, and figure it from there? Perhaps Father and Mother might loan us the initial capital.... not that I'm eager to go running for help, exactly."
Another big yawn threatens the end of her words. "I-- think I'll retire. But Wanderkin suits us, I believe. I'll see you all in the morning-- I suggest we go talk to Volset first, then resign ourselves to more dusty books."
"Thanks for the connection, Dasho. We'll be sure to mention you."
Halvar returns with drinks and the information.
"It shouldn't hurt to ask Volset first thing in the morning, but if his fees seem too much we can always try on our own first. We're citizens fresh from our two years of being in the system. It can't be that hard," he says with a smile that's almost a groan.
Olf will greet the party in the morning, happy to go meet Volset.
”Everyone sleep well? I may or may not have. Flora had a few words about all this, and she is right to worry and wonders if I should have discussed with her before I pushed on this path,” Olf reports sheepishly. ”On this, she is completely correct. I have apologized and it’s a mistake that I hope to not make again.”
”Let’s get on.”
It’s another lazy morning, 3/4/1000, a Tuesday. You meet over breakfast at a convenient little restaurant near your goal for the morning. Yesterday was a bit dull, what with all the research, but at least it wasn’t too taxing, and you find yourselves full of energy for the day ahead.
You make your way to the offices of Volset Peco - and find them without too much difficulty. It’s a basement office, but with a wide window in front for a clear view of the staircase and small open space just before his door. As you descend the stairs you see a wiry young man watering some potted plants in front of said window. He sets down his watering can and removes the apron protecting his clothes from his labors.
”Welcome! Give me just a moment here…” he opens the front door and gestures for you to join him within. The interior is a little tight with all of you, but there is a decent sized waiting area with almost enough seats, as well as a desk with a few papers here and there. The man apologizes, ”Most groups are rather smaller you understand. Make yourselves as comfortable as you may. Might I provide refreshment? I think I have some decent tea, but we’re out of coffee for the moment.”
As you reply, he knocks thrice on an inner door, but doesn’t wait for an answer as he works to make you comfortable. He even has a tin of decent biscuits.
”Now, how may we be of assistance? I am Briken Pipa (link), faithful servant of Volset Peco. Are you forming an adventuring party then or are you here on some other errand?”
Aelin shows up the next morning with a fresh bruise on his right cheek, but it barely breaks the symmetry of his face, even when he smiles.
The half-elf is well-appointed, given the lean into formality this morning. So the half-elf leans forward, a light bend at the waist, and he speaks quietly to master Briken. "Dasho sent us, and all that implies..." Aelin straightens up, renewing his 'we-both-know-what-that-means' grin.
The half-elf gives it a beat, then continues. "Yes, we're forming an adventuring party, and Volset Peco comes highly recommended. By his cousin, who should know better than most."
Aelin then introduces himself and his family. "Is he busy? I'm sure he trusts you enough to begin the paperwork?"
Halvar is content to stand while waiting for Volset.
"No tea for me, thank you."
Halvar is content to stand while waiting for Volset.
Olf stands next to Halvar, bumping a good shoulder to get into position.
"No, no tea for me. If I start drinking too much, I'll just need to take a bio break, and no telling how long these administrative things might take," Olf declines politely, if not with TMI.
"Yeah, the adventuring party. That's us. That's we. That'll do," Olf nods. "I'm Olf, this here is Halvar, and Aelin, Gertie, and Kallie, of course, and oh yeah...and Hams. There is a lot of us."
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Hamarr stands in some humble space among his siblings, arms folded. He waits to see what flavor of tea is proffered.
"I'll just need to take a bio break, and no telling how long these administrative things might take,"
"Like no one is going to know what that means," he chides his oldest brother gently. He turns to Pipa cheerfully. "Please forgive Olf, evidenty he is biologically older than his race might otherwise suggest."
The half-elf is well-appointed, given the lean into formality this morning. So the half-elf leans forward, a light bend at the waist, and he speaks quietly to master Briken. "Dasho sent us, and all that implies..." Aelin straightens up, renewing his 'we-both-know-what-that-means' grin.
Briken looks confused. ”I don’t…”
The half-elf gives it a beat, then continues. "Yes, we're forming an adventuring party, and Volset Peco comes highly recommended. By his cousin, who should know better than most."
Aelin then introduces himself and his family. "Is he busy? I'm sure he trusts you enough to begin the paperwork?"
”Ah, his cousin Dasho. I understand you now sir.” and he winks back. ”So you wish to be an adventuring party. I understand.”
Halvar is content to stand while waiting for Volset.
"No tea for me, thank you."
”Thank you sir for standing. I apologize that we could not accommodate you all in more comfort.”
"No, no tea for me. If I start drinking too much, I'll just need to take a bio break, and no telling how long these administrative things might take," Olf declines politely, if not with TMI.
"Yeah, the adventuring party. That's us. That's we. That'll do," Olf nods. "I'm Olf, this here is Halvar, and Aelin, Gertie, and Kallie, of course, and oh yeah...and Hams. There is a lot of us."
”Oh, you are too right sir. And every form in triplicate - a new requirement just this year sir.” He bows to each of you in turn as you are introduced.
Hamarr stands in some humble space among his siblings, arms folded. He waits to see what flavor of tea is proffered.
”I’ve got some basic black tea for the most part, but it’s fresh. I also have some Orange Nury tea left, but it’s a shadow of its prime. Still very good mind you sir.”
"Like no one is going to know what that means," he chides his oldest brother gently. He turns to Pipa cheerfully. "Please forgive Olf, evidenty he is biologically older than his race might otherwise suggest."
”Of course sir.” the young man says seriously, but with a slight grin that suggests he sees the humor in it.
He pulls out a few pieces of paper and hands you each a sheet and pencil. ”Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible. If you cannot write, perhaps you can get a co-founder to assist you. Just do the best you can.”
He then provides tea and biscuits as you get to work. There are any number of small tables scattered throughout and now you see the sense of them, setting tea, snack, and documents down on them to work.
The form is not complex, as far as it goes. Your name, the party’s name, place of business, that sort of thing. Then there are some more probing questions which prove harder to answer. ‘Why do you want to be an adventurer?’ is perhaps the most pointed in that section.
While you are filling out your paperwork, Briken steps into the inner room, and you hear him, and presumably Volset Peco, chatting quietly. The more keen eared of you may catch something more - a scrape like furniture shifting perhaps.
Let me know how thoroughly you fill out the application, and any details you care to share. Briken will return momentarily, but you’re currently in private and can talk amongst yourselves if you wish.
"Orange Nury it is, then."
~~~
Hamarr pins his paperwork to the wall and makes his best effort to drag the lead across the page. He glances over his shoulder at Aelin. “So, who is she, and what did you do to earn that shiner?“
Halvar fills out the form providing as little information as possible. He leaves several answers blank and will inquire of Briken or Volset when they enter, "Who reviews these? Which answers are required?"
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Olf completes the form as best and as quickly as he can. He has little patience for paperwork, let alone seeing his own quillwork.
Name: "Oldon Lutaodr Farra."
Adventuring Party Name: "WanderKin."
Place of Business: "Crim and areas nearby."
That sort of thing: "Yes, apple can go on pizza."
Why adventuring: "Travel and gold."
Olf finished and passes the paper back to the clerk.
The Orange Nury is a little stale, but is quite tasty nonetheless.
Halvar fills out the form providing as little information as possible. He leaves several answers blank and will inquire of Briken or Volset when they enter, "Who reviews these? Which answers are required?"
”Oh, very little is required, just down to… here.” he points about a third down the page. ”It’s entirely up to you. Only myself, and of course Mr. Peco, will see these.”
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Gertrude’s answers are as taciturn, generic, evasive, and bare-bones as she can get away with, as she is a firm believer in keeping her personal information as private as possible.
Name: Gertrude Elsbeth
Adventuring Party Name: WanderKin
Place of Business: Have weapon, will travel
That sort of thing: [left blank]
Why adventuring: Professional development
Briken returns and sits at his desk quietly as you finish up your work - though as it seems most of you are being very private, it doesn’t take long. When you’re all done, he collects the documents and ushers you in to see Mr. Peco.
Volset Peco (link) is a tiefling along with his cousin of course, but he carries it better somehow. He briskly leaps from his desk and comes around to shake each of your hands as he introduces himself and gets to know your names.
He begs you to enter and Briken closes the door behind you - though he remains in the room with you and begins to take notes from a chair by the door. You are all escorted by Volset to six chairs arranged in a semi-circle around his desk. There’s no natural light in this room, but there are two continual flames to cheer the space and provide light. There’s also a fireplace, with a roaring fire to ward off the early morning chill.
”So! I know from Mr. Pipa that you were sent to me by my cousin Dasho with the intent on forming an adventuring party. Very good - and well done I might add. You look a formidable bunch.” He walks to the front of his desk and hops up on it, sitting there facing all of you.
”What would you like me to do for you? There is much that can be done, depending on what your plans are. And I’m happy to help you with bureaucracy, marketing, supply, travel arrangements, you name it. As much or as little as you’d like. You pick whatever you want off the menu.” He swings his feet a little with energy, and waits to hear your response. Briken is quietly shuffling through your papers in the back, having likely heard this speech before.
Marketing? Halvar groans only on the inside.
"A little is what I'd like. Just the bureaucracy."
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Name: Kalendra Fidansdottr
Adventuring Party Name: WanderKin
Place of Business: 7 Vine Street, East District, Crim
That sort of thing: Did you know that lichen is actually a symbiosis between algae and fungus?
Why do you want to be an adventurer?: I don't - but my siblings do, and I must make sure they come home
Kallie takes a spot near the fire, glad for its heat against the cold of the morning, her shawl wrapped snugly around her. "It's good to meet you, Mr. Peco. I agree with Halvar that I doubt we'll need some of the more... advanced services you offer-- but who knows, I suppose. Could you tell us a bit more about what legality entails, with adventurers? Property rights to scavenge, that sort of thing?"
"So, who is she, and what did you do to earn that shiner?“
Aelin smirks when his brother inquires. "Not sure. Fiery red hair, and emeralds for eyes. Raised the red in her cheeks with an impromptu serenade, but I managed to lace it with less flowery flattery for her, and more mockery for the large red-headed man sitting with her. I didn't think he'd catch on, but he held his tongue long enough to let me let my guard down. He met me at the door, and sent me to the floor." The smirk never falters.
...
Aelin leans over his brother's and sister's shoulders, catching glimpses of answers if he can. He didn't think everyone would be responsible for their own audition into the world of adventuring. Don't those kind of groups have a leader who speaks for them all? The half-elf doesn't object to the writing, but he does fold his paper when he hands it to Briken.
Name:
Stage Name: Allain Sparhawke
Adventuring Party Name: WanderKin
Place of Business: Kindara, if She'll have us
Why adventuring: It beats sitting at a desk and working on paperwork. I'd rather be the person having the adventure, taking the risks, reaping the rewards, than be the person responsible for keeping track of such people. Why play it safe, and live a long and colorless life? Better to be a short life burning bright, I say. Sticking your nose in others' affairs will keep the scales of society better balanced, if you can bring light into dark corners, and make the rats scatter.
Aelin raises a hand, palm faced towards Volset Peco. "A lot of this will depend on how much you demand for your services, for our services."
"A little is what I'd like. Just the bureaucracy."
"Uhm...what do you charge?" Olf says, following Aelin's good line of questioning the important stuff. "Is it a percentage? Or does it matter what we ask you to help with? And how long is the contract? Term? Monthly? Until death?"
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"A little is what I'd like. Just the bureaucracy."
”Sure! We can start there, and see how it goes. No pressure you understand. I work for you.”
"It's good to meet you, Mr. Peco. I agree with Halvar that I doubt we'll need some of the more... advanced services you offer -- but who knows, I suppose. Could you tell us a bit more about what legality entails, with adventurers? Property rights to scavenge, that sort of thing?"
He chuckles at your request in a friendly manner, ”Oh, well there’s a whole tome on adventurer’s rights!” he points to one of several thick bound books on the shelf behind his desk. ”That middle one, the fat one, are Crim’s rules. The other two bracketing it, much thinner volumes as you can see, are the rules from Araria and Yathon respectively. Lots of duplication of course, and some really seriously arcane passages. But it’s all there.”
”A broad overview then to give you context. Adventurers, with a few caveats, can keep what they find, provided they can show the stuff has been ‘abandoned’. That’s the key word around which a lot of the text spins. What constitutes abandonment. Now I am not a lawyer, though I do employ one for my clients as needed, but I have read every page of those three books and have a solid understanding of what it all means. I can get you a copy of the book if you like, though I suggest you rely on me, and our attorney, for detailed questions.”
”Often, groups form because they’ve already found something.” his eyes glisten with curiosity, ”But I understand you lot like to keep things close to the chest so I won’t pry. Know though that I can only help as much as I know.”
Aelin raises a hand, palm faced towards Volset Peco. "A lot of this will depend on how much you demand for your services, for our services."
”Of course, I totally understand. Further, I’ll anticipate a concern that most have. My rates are not cheap, though Dasho has ensured a discount, but payment is flexible. Adventurers don’t make their money on the clock - income comes sporadically. Often in large chunks - making you seem rich. Then nothing for quite a while. I am paid in the same manner then. In large chunks when you have the capital.”
"Uhm...what do you charge?" Olf says, following Aelin's good line of questioning the important stuff. "Is it a percentage? Or does it matter what we ask you to help with? And how long is the contract? Term? Monthly? Until death?"
”As my services can be rather broad and often involve many people, not just myself and capable Briken here, it’s hard to sum up exact rates. It depends on your needs and wants. The only contract is our handshake - I feel Crim is lawful enough, and we’ll soon be fast friends, and so long complex written contracts just get in the way. However, if you prefer that, I do have the outlines of one and can bring in the lawyer to firm it up between us.”
”For now, starting simply, Crim requires a 2 platinum fee to register adventuring parties, along with 2 gold per member of said party. So in your case, that’s 32 gold total. However, the documentation is complex and requires careful attention to detail. You can certainly do it on your own, and some groups do, but it’ll take longer, and may be rejected multiple times before finally being accepted. Naturally, being a bureaucracy, they charge each time, so it could get expensive.”
”For the bureaucracy portion of adventuring parties, we charge 100 gold to set you up. I understand from your forms that you do not have a communal address to house this adventuring party, which is fine. You can put our offices here as your ‘headquarters’. For the most part that’s just where paperwork gets dumped by the city, so it’s really not that important. But it needs to be a place where you’ll safely get mail and other notices.”
- - -
"Do people," Olf waves in general at the entire city. "Do people come to you with jobs they need done? Do you ever source us for things that need to be done?" Olf asks, just wondering.
"We charge 100 gold to set you up."
Olf chokes a bit at the quote, as that is quite a bit of money, but not so bad when split 6 ways, but still a chunk of his net worth.
Perception
Halvar does his best to keep his voice calm as he asks, "Does the 100 gold include the 32 gold to Crim or is that in addition? It appears adventuring is only for the rich."
Gertrude tilts her head down so she is looking over her glasses. ”When do we get to learn that very convenient sign language Briken is using?” She smiles.
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”I didn't think he'd catch on, but he held his tongue long enough to let me let my guard down. He met me at the door, and sent me to the floor."
Hamarr nods approvingly yet not surprised. ”So, a stage prop fell on you?”
His eyes glaze over a bit as the tiefling blathers on. He turns back to his paperwork, occasionally peeking over Kalendra’s shoulder at her paperwork.
Name: Marcus of Crimm
Adventuring Party Name: WanderKin
Place of Business: Mine own.
That sort of thing: Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudel. Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles. Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings. These are a few of my favorite ‘that sort of thing’s.
Why adventuring: Have been informed that “adventurers make women go wild” – for the adventurer, presumably.
He blithely turns in his application.
```
”When do we get to learn that very convenient sign language Briken is using?”
Hamaar smirks in pride and admiration of his older sister's perceptive skill, leaning his head against his knuckles awaiting a response from what he might perceive as an ever-even-more-reddening tiefling.
"Do people," Olf waves in general at the entire city. "Do people come to you with jobs they need done? Do you ever source us for things that need to be done?" Olf asks, just wondering.
”We do get some general requests, but most of the time folks know who they want to work with. That said, there are sometimes open calls from the government for various tasks, and in those cases we let all of our clients know - and can help with signing up if interested. But like I said, most folks, including some government offices, pick and choose. Hence the marketing.”
Halvar does his best to keep his voice calm as he asks, "Does the 100 gold include the 32 gold to Crim or is that in addition? It appears adventuring is only for the rich."
”We don’t pay your expenses, but we also don’t charge a fee to process them. So to start, you’re looking at 132 gold, though like I said before, my fee can wait until your first success. Do you not have the 32gp?” He doesn’t seem worried, just checking to see where you stand - especially considering you do each, for the most part, look rather well off and well equipped.
Gertrude tilts her head down so she is looking over her glasses. ”When do we get to learn that very convenient sign language Briken is using?” She smiles.
If he’s embarrassed, it’s hard to see, and he rallies quickly, ”Oh that. It’s quite handy so we can keep things moving and you don’t have to wait around. I presume your time is valuable.” He grins. ”I learned from the Educator Guild - they’ve got some great teachers. I’m not much of a teacher myself or I’d offer to show you.”
”So, are you ready for this step? Or do you need some time to decide among yourselves? Briken and I can step outside and enjoy our garden for a few moments, or we could make an appointment if you’d like to leave and return.”
"So, a stage prop fell on you?”
"A wind-up one at that."
Aelin turns to Volset. "Time to decide? We're here, and we have coin for the till. You working on contingency is all the better. Like you said, our time is valuable, which means yours is, too."
The half-elf does look at each and every of the Kin, hoping he hasn't overstepped his say.
Gertrude nods, satisfied with the answer. ”I shall have to ask about it there then.” She looks through her siblings for the mood. ”Seems to me we should go on ahead and get it over with.” The fewer times she has to deal with bureaucrats on their home turf, the better.
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"I think we've already made the decision, haven't we?" Kallie asks, looking to the others. "We wouldn't be here otherwise. Collectively I think we can manage the stake?"
Halvar wonders if they'll ever have a 'big haul' for the 100 gold Volset is expecting but is good with proceeding with the business arrangement.
Olf does not have the money to pay either his share of the 100gp, nor the 32gp, and so whatever works to make it go is fine for him. He might be able to scrounge together two coppers for a nice scone on the way home.
"Sure. Yes. Let's do this. If we're in, we're in," Olf pushes ahead.
Hamarr gives what appears to be a non-committal one-shoulder-shrug but adds, "Sure."
You take out some of the money you’ve scraped together so far, and advance the 32gp, most of it in silver I expect.
Volset claps his hands together, ”Good. Excellent. Briken, let’s get these fine WanderKin registered shall we?” He turns back to you, ”I believe we have everything we need for this simple step - leave it confidently to us. We’ll be in touch in a few days, likely with a certified copy of your registration for your records. We’ll keep a copy as well, in case you or we should ever need it. That’s it!” He hopes off the desk and shakes each of your hands as you stand and shuffle toward the door.
”If there’s ever anything you need, this is where you start. We’ve done this before you know, and can be great allies in the future you’ve made for yourselves. I wish you all the luck. Your success is my success.” Grinning he escorts you through Briken’s outer office and back to the stone stairs leading to his shop.
You are, pending any final questions or conversation, back on the streets of Crim, and it’s not yet lunch! Where do you go from here? Is there more research to be done (I don’t recall)? Do you want to descend to the blockage and remove it (a half a day’s work)? Or perhaps even lay low a couple of days until your paperwork has been approved and you’re official (to ensure you have a claim on what you find)?
Halvar is content to wait for the official paperwork. Aside from his curiosity there doesn't appear to be any rush.
Kallie steps out into the mid-morning light and gazes up briefly at the sky. "I'd suggest brunch - but I think our purses are going to be light indeed for a while, until we make good on this investment. With that in mind......."
Kallie sighs a little; digging in the tunnels isn't her idea of FUN or pleasure (much better to be digging in her garden)-- but being responsible is rarely about fun. "...we should probably go see about clearing that blockage. Answers may be on the other side. Or they may not, of course. See how carefully I cover all my options?"
"Brunch? Sure..." Olf says, but worried about his now lighter coinpurse. But his voice drops several more levels of interest at the thought of clearing out the rest of the blockage, knowing that *his* back would be carrying most of it.
"Blockage? Are you sure? Can't we go hunt goblins in the forest instead?"
Hamarr naturally leads the way to the nearest brunch cafe with good food and drinks.
"We should celebrate."
"There will be time for hunting when we've got ourselves a nice little foundational fund. Unless the bounty on goblin teeth is hefty? Kallie and Hamarr point to our collective need for sustenance. I'm inclined to eat, then labor." Aelin follows along, a little vexed that he's only got one set of clothes for the day, which began in legal chambers, and will likely end in a forgotten crypt somewhere...
There’s a lovely little brunch spot not too far from here - a bit expensive, but you are celebrating after all. You go, and have to wait a little for a table to suit all of you (really two tables smushed together), but it’s worth the wait. The eggs are cooked to perfection - not overly done as with many places, but still moist without being runny. Smooth. And the coffee is thick and welcome.
The place grows more crowded as you settle in and eat, so not a lot of privacy for conversation. Nevertheless I expect you take your time, lingering over the fine meal and drinks so it’s nearly 1pm when you have finished. Very relaxing, and well served.
Also, goblins are an annoyance everywhere, and the hinterlands of Crim are no exception. However, though the Crim government has occasionally added a short story in one weekly or another extolling the virtues of killing nearby goblins, they do not actually offer any bounty for them. The farm communities who are more likely to be harassed do occasionally gather some coins to the purpose after a raid or two, but there is nothing known to the party at this time - it being early in the season yet.
Halvar enjoys the eggs--hopefully with a hearty bread--and the coffee.
"I'm okay with an afternoon of digging. I wish we had our approved paperwork----beforehand, but it seems unlikely it will matter much."
As he sips at his coffee, he wonders aloud, "When should we tell the parents about our newfound joint venture? I suspect the news will get to them fairly quickly, but we could probably wait until we're actually official."
With concern over coin, Olf tries to enjoy his food. He wasn't expecting this level of outlay this week, and he usually eats a bit more frugally, not just so he can drink more, but also home meals with Flora are important.
"Digging? Gah. Are we sure that's necessary? Ain't no one been down there in forever, I'm sure of it. And there might be nothing down there at all anyway."
Olf thinks about supplies.
"And we'll want a shovel and a pick ax, probably. Anyone have a shovel? Pick? An axe? We should be more prepared, I think, if we're going digging."
When finished, your Crim paperwork will be in the form of a License. Often adventuring groups do have a Charter - outlining who gets what shares, if it's uneven, what's expected of members, that sort of thing. As it's family though, you suspect you won't need a Charter. Unless you take on investors or the like.
I’ve taken 5gp off the group list for a few assorted digging tools - the first possessions owned by the WanderKin. You can pick them up on your way from brunch to wherever you're headed next. So far we lean toward digging this afternoon, but lots of folks yet to hear from.
Oh, and I’ll note you still haven’t identified the fine masterwork cloak the sergeant was sporting. Much too fine a garment to have survived the ages down here - although perhaps it too was doused with unguent of timelessness, which is your current working theory on the chest, though that too is unconfirmed. A detect magic and two seperate spellcrafts if anyone has it - otherwise you could reach out to the Thaumaturgist Guild (link). There are usually any number of petty magicians who will do what they can for a bit of coin.
"I'm okay with an afternoon of digging. I wish we had our approved paperwork beforehand, but it seems unlikely it will matter much."
"Agreed, wise Halvar. We have Volset Peco's good name to carry with us, and produce for any authority demanding our noble motives. I have managed to avoid the long arm of the law a couple of times, with earnest claims of its ignorance."
"Let's get dirty." Aelin bears a pair of wooden buckets, useful in moving rubble from one place to another.