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Meridoc smiles, "There are a fair number of lessons I've learned in the Darkive. The first - I treat all Venture Captain's equally, I don't believe a word any of you say. I think you all drink potions of glibness in sipping vests daily."
"Secondly, the price of a life is indeed 600 platinum sphinxes, which corresponds to my victory in the field of accidental indentured employment. Oddly on this matter, Namaeva, you would be the second damsel I have rescued and the cost was within my allotted 6281 coins. I catered the first damsel's rescue to the tune of 4 carriages, 2 changes of clothing, a cook, his staff, 4 waiters, 4 drivers, and assorted foods, fruits, and various alcohols. I also incurred a raise dead for a fallen comrade who neglected my advice. So, I'll spend another 281 coins and round you up a welcome home feast."
"Thirdly, dearest Maya dza Thrune if you are the teacher I am happy to assist in the instruction." Meridoc's face turns a pretty shade of red, thinking obviously much more than he offers.
"Lastly, are there any other bids? I am truly at my limit of spending time with this unwholesome character," motioning towards the Auctioneer. "I sense (in feigned divination) he may come to accidental harm in the very near future if this auction is prolonged."
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A thin man with pale skin and wavy black hair, dressed in impeccable flowing robes, steps into the room emerging from one of the myriad halls of the depths of the Grand Lodge. He holds an unusually large rolled scroll in this left hand, resting it in his shoulder as he sips from a goblet held in his right hand. His eyes go a bit wide as he spies the growing crowd gathered for the auction. He shrugs and downs the rest of the contents of the goblet and flashes the crowd a wicked grin.
Well now it's a party! His eyes wrinkle as he searches the room. Though I must admit I enjoy a bit more Chellish Red at my soirees. I don't suppose there is a barrell hiding back there? Hm? No. Bah no matter, but it sure does seem that this crowd could be a bit more lively. He maintains his smile and nods to MeriDoc as he makes inquiries as to the reason for the clandestine gathering. When properly informed, his head darts in Nameava's direction and tilts his head as he observes her. Well by all the laws, an old fashioned slave auction. Makes me pine for my glory days in Egorian even more than usual. How much did you say for the last bid? He smiles to Nameava You must be special indeed, though I would tread cautiously. In my experience, when someone throws out bids in those amounts, they are usually buying ingredients as opposed to servants. I assume, of course, that your seller's contract excludes such things.
Heccan looks about, then down the hall, then back to Alminster. I am all for a bit of rule bending, Lord of Laws knows, but I feel, as counselor for the Archive and our beloved Mistress Dralneen, I would be remiss if I failed to point out that this sort of thing is, well, let us just say frowned on around here. They have districts for this sort of thing and while, in the good old days, I am certain I could have negotiated for diplomatic waiver based on our affiliation to the nation of Cheliax, such things are hard to justify now. Let's say we get this hour's prize to her rightful owner and move this lovely gathering to somewhere less likely to land is in the stockades and more likely to encourage even worse decisions. The sorcerer smirks and attempts to wrangle one last drop of Chellish red from his overturned goblet.
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Marcellus looks distinctly uncomfortable at being addressed as 'Lord Thrune'. He watches the flying interchanges but seems to not know enough of the subtext to grasp everything in detail.
He pauses a moment to make sure he is speaking accurately in his responses and when he does say the words, they are not overloud, but are distinct and clear. "Lady Henderthane, I am not the ... best contact for you with the ruling House of Cheliax. My influence there is probably sufficiently waned as to, well, I suppose if went back, I would be heard ..." He thought he had what he wanted to say planned, but it wasn't working. "Congratulations on acquiring the esteem of House Thrune."
"I had seen Namaeva as a source of great potential complementary to my own distinctly physical ones. She is not yet fully trained, but I had hoped to hone those potential abilities to great prowess." He shrugs at the current standing in the bidding.
"I see now that the politics are far more intricate than I was aware and I think I need to observe and gain understanding of what is happening here."
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The large, nearly bare figure shifts in place uncomfortably. Raising his head to address his master, " I sorry Lady Hernderthane," Suli begins apologetically. "I was trying to filigree. Filigree like people on missions look for. You know, in books and stuff?"
Suli pauses for a moment and then lowers his head," And it true, I not know where we are."
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" It appears there are no more forth coming bids, so I bid you congratulations Meridoc.
Marcellus, thank you for your honesty about your connections. If you are in need of magical assistance, my cousin Eddington will soon be finishing his training as a wizard and a pathfinder. When I achieve the title of Venture Captain, something that I believe will be added to the list rather soon, I will have enough leverage to get him appointed to advantageous field assignments.
My cousin is by all accounts a brilliant mind, and with my resources he has procured some very old texts to aid in his arcane training. I have encouraged him to join the Archive as he should be quite well suited to such work. Most of my field service was with the Paracountess, though my talents lie in the field of politics, not books, so I have fairly recently begun work elsewhere.
If you weren't so damn good at fighting and good looking, I'd probably have sold you long ago Sulii; but as it stands when I retire from active field work, I will be giving you to my cousin to ensure his well being.
Asher, I am quite embarrassed by Sulii's scribblings that I overlooked before I handed that to you. I'd give Zephrus, my griffon, a writing assignment before I gave one to Sulii, though I find that their intellects are actually quite comparable. If you would be so kind as to help me find my way out of here I would not like to even accidentally violate my invitation and relying upon Sulii to get me out seems not overly wise. Also Meridoc doesn't wish me to beat Sulii over much, and should he lead me astray too many times, well ... perhaps that is best left unsaid."
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The added commentary of several more individuals has made Alminster pause for a moment to process them. While usually a bit faster at the auctioneer position, the relative value the item in question is pulling is making him grant a little longer for decisions to be made, and to allow the address of questions.
To Jasmine Henderthane, Alminster looks, pulling out a written document. "I'm always happy to provide proper documentation to an official of the Order of the Chain." With that he hands the document to her. Separate from the transfer of ownership, a document which MeriDoc looked at earlier, this writ of auction grants the holder the permission to hold an auction of one Namaeva Caxaran (hereafter referred to as "the auctioned item") outside the the Slave Market of Absalom).
"The bid stands at 6,000 gold pieces, do I hear anything higher? Going once..."
At this point Namaeva takes a small step towards Jasmine, finding an anchoring point with which to ingratiate herself, grasping the sides of her clothing to curtsy. "Lady Henderthane, everything you say is most admirable and shows a true and in depth understanding of how the world works, a fact I'm certain belies a brilliant mind and kind heart. My owner Alminster indeed lives by the tenets you describe. I am fed and clothed and given all proper amenities of my position. While I cannot speak to other's intentions, Master Alminster did say I may speak as to properly present the value I can provide. For the price, I believe current bidders see a long-term opportunity in their ownership of me as an assistant to them within the Dark Archive. Lastly, I was something of an assistant in academic matters to my previous master, a fact I feel has rubbed off on me. Navigating libraries, and even tombs, albeit ones that had been already cleared of dangers, as well as memorizing some basic facts and notes for recall, were among my duties. I also proved to be moderately capable of operating magical devices safely and reliably.
Namaeva raises her gaze to Henderthane, putting on as warm and inviting a smile as she can muster. "I feel my lady would be most happy with this mere and lowly slip were she to give her the great honour of service to her."
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"Being a slave is all I know, good sir MeriDoc, and while circumstances have not been ideal to me I believe in what Lady Henderthane has to say on the matter. This is not to say I do not believe you would be a master of exceptional quality should you win the auction."
Alminster meanwhile lifts his hand again. "Going twice..."
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"... SOLD!" declares Alminster happily, "To the halfling knight MeriDoc for a sum of 6,000 gold pieces!
Namaeva's eyes widen a bit in surprise. She once again curtsies towards Lady Henderthane "It's been a pleasure to make your aquaintance." She then turns to MeriDoc. "Congratulations, Master," she says with a deep bow. "I look forward to proving myself of valuable service and supplication to you."
Alminster pats his sides as he walks over to the halfling knight. "Now where?--Ah, here's the quill and papers. Shall we go over the contract and make the exchange now? Or would you prefer it be done at the Slave Pits?"
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Well that was unexpected. Keep you're things, I can guess where they've been.
Meridoc claps his mithril gauntlets and a happy loping Mastiff bounds around the corner. The riding dog is poorly disguised as a hellhound. "Such a good boy, no you dont get to eat the bad man right now, thank you for asking." Meridoc retrieves a portable writing desk from his saddlebags.
Section 2 - Term for a period not to exceed twenty years or upon obtaining the title seeker of the Pathfinder Society.
Section 3 - Obligations of the contractee extend to training in methods, manners, history, tactics, and martial requirements necessary for confirmation as an agent. Upon confirmation contractee will fulfill missions as directed by Zarta Dralneen, or by licensed venture captains with proper identification. Contractee may refuse missions if these request the contractee to breech Moral, Ethical, or Legal boundry conditions - refer to Meridoc's treatsie on Pathfinder aquisition contracts.
Section 4 - Obligations of the contractor, will fit and arm contractee with equipment necessary to engage in the profession of Pathfinders. Sum shall not exceed 150 gold sails.
Section 5 - Proceeds from the activity of Pathfindering obtained by Contractee remain her own and should be used for the purposes of improving her protection, survival, health, and well being. In the case of death in service to the Pathfinder Society remaining funds will be used to revive contractee or bury remains if insufficient material or money is available for same.
Section 6 - This document does not grant a warranty of service by either party. Obligations are unenforceable in the case of Force Majeur.
Section 7 - This contract is the sole reference on the status of contractee, no other prior documents here or after can be enforced without the express consent and permission of Meridoc Esquire.
As signed this day by
Meri Doc, Esquire
Hellknight Signifier
Order of the Scourge
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"So, lets take care of the first thing. (Spell - Shatter - effect- Namaeva's chains are sundered.) The Second, Grifter here is a signed draw of 600 Sphinx from my personal account. Authorize transfer of the propery to me, and get you gone from here."
"Namaeva please read through the contract make any necessary changes and sign only if you agree. The contract offers a minimum requirement of service, if you wish to aid in my law profession, investigation of magical sites, or defense of the Darkive and its Librarianatrixness feel free. I think you should dispose of that spare metal first (pointing to the broken manacles) it's a safety hazard afterall."
Meridoc adds, "Yes several of you can see what I have done here and it is no mistake on my part in the precise order in which these actions are performed. Now lets get a keg of Chelaxian Red for Heccan, and find something to eat. We have a new trainee after all.:
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Alminster takes out a document, signs the transfer of property papers, adding in MeriDoc's name where relevant and quickly going aside to get a witness signature before handing over the fill contract and taking the draw of 600 Sphinx. "Thank you, good sir, I wish both you and your newly acquired property the best of luck going into the future. For now I shall take my leave of this establishment. As for the Chelaxian Red, I hope you all have a fine evening." With that the slave broker departs.
Namaeva grabs the broken chains off the floor, cradling them in her robes and taking them to what appears to be a spittoon in the corner. "Yes Master." She looks over the contract, and adds clarification that section 5's "revive" shall strictly be taken as to mean the casting of Raise Dead, Resurrection or True Resurrection, and that all other methods of "revivification" including animation into an undead, transformation into a bone or flesh golem fall outside the terms of the contract. She also corrects several of the homonyms and misspelled words of the contract before handing it to MeriDoc for an inspection before they sign.
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Meridoc begins to laugh. I am sure you realize at the moment you are entirely free? You sign the document without any obligation to anyone. Or you could just as easily amend the name of the contractor as you see fit...or refuse if you prefer.
The terms fit easily within those of any Pathfinder in this room...perhaps allowing you more freedom than they have, as some feel an obligation to participate in missions against their nature. And it ends the service for your progeny if any.
Any more changes?
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Namaeva looks confusedly at MeriDoc, perceiving the words but her mind shutting down as she tries to make sense of it. As her brain finally processes the words, she shrinks back, only by an inch, but enough to convey the motion a rat might make as the crate it was hiding behind is pulled away suddenly. "I beg your pardon, Master?"
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"What our esteemed solicitor is saying is that you have pretty much all the freedoms that any Pathfinder has, according to that contract. The framework is to set you up as a Pathfinder, and then, should you achieve Seeker status, you will have completed your indenture, and then get to do as you choose. It should have enough structure that you need not be afraid of the sudden change of station."
He holds his fauchard steady at his side and looks at her. "I expect he will allow you to call him 'Master' until you no longer need to do such, but the apparent intent is for you to grow out of such a need."
There is a shrug, and a tiny sigh. "Implicit in, but not actually stated by, the contract, is that you will be growing into a free person. Does this prospect frighten you?"
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And of course this contract is presently not in force so, you must choose to become what you want to be and grow as we all do in the Society.
The Andorans talk about freedom, but rarely think about how to make someone free. My contract provides a vehicle that might get you there...if you dont perish in the implementation.
But you must choose to do this, otherwise it will not work. You can also refuse...and embrace freedom now. For technically you are bound to no one until you sign..in blood..right..there (Meridoc traces the contractee line with his mithril clad finger.)
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Also, I was just now thinking over the various documents from the Grifter. Did anyone ELSE notice the Grifter's documents did not include a writ from our beloved Librarianatrixness? Ha Ha Ha Ha... He's TRESPASSSING in the DARKIVE! I dare say he's not a Pathfinder either, I do hope he is a spy. I should do Divination's more often, I seem good at it. Its fair to give him a head start, so lets consider the issue.
I think the fine, paid exclusively to our fair Zarta should be say...6500 sails, or if unable to pay the fine...20 years indentured servitude. MeriDoc's eyes light up with each passing moment.
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Namaeva looks over the contract, pondering her options. "Sign the contract, and serve the society until such a time as I attain the rank of seeker... Or not sign it, and continue to join the society of my own pure initiative anyway, for I doubt my talents would find a place anywhere else that has such substantial resources, potentially drawing the ire of present company?"
Glancing back up to MeriDoc, Namaeva smiles. "I thank you for my freedom, but if the point is to grow me into freedom, I think this contract is superfluous..."
(Throw paper to corner > Burning Hands >Contract is Ash)
Namaeva steps to the chamber door, pushing it open. "Perhaps a good show of talent to Zarta would be to find the interloper. But first..." Namaeva turns to the rest. "Would one of you point me in the direction of the nearest necromantically-inclined entity for me to requisition assistance?"
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"and kind heart....
"Ha, I don't think I've ever heard anyone accuse me of that before. I think you mistake the meaning of my words. I believe most strongly in order, all parts have their place in the chain of society, there isn't anything kind or cruel in enforcing such order."
Meridoc adds, "Yes several of you can see what I have done here and it is no mistake on my part in the precise order in which these actions are performed. Now lets get a keg of Chelaxian Red for Heccan, and find something to eat. We have a new trainee after all.
*clap**clap**clap*
I think the fine, paid exclusively to our fair Zarta should be say...6500 sails, or if unable to pay the fine...20 years indentured servitude. MeriDoc's eyes light up with each passing moment.
Ah it is quite a treat to see your brilliant mind at work dear Meridoc. I'd be happy to assist in apprehending a trespasser if you wish, I do specialize in non lethal demoralization tactics, but I understand if you want to keep such work in house.
Glancing back up to MeriDoc, Namaeva smiles. "I thank you for my freedom, but if the point is to grow me into freedom, I think this contract is superfluous..."
(Throw paper to corner > Burning Hands >Contract is Ash)
"Ah it can be wise to refuse a contract that doesn't do you an favors. I can't say that I would have done as Meridoc here has, but it is certainly something to be upheld. I wish you the best in your future endeavors, and remember should you join the society we all have a mandate to cooperate, and you will find I strive to always fulfill my obligations. Venture Captain Dza'Thrune speaks wisely to consider carefully the bargains you undertake.
I bid you all farewell, and my thanks for entertaining me as a guest here. Asher if you'd be so kind as to see Sulii and I out, I believe I am going to provide Suli with some powerful garments for his next mission for the Paracountess."