You are summoned to the home of a wealthy merchant of the city of Wellspring for dinner. Ushered into the home you are brought to a beautiful dining hall where you and the rest of your party gather around the table across from Beauregard Gransby. Over the course of the evening he tells you of his various business interests and dealings across the continent. When dessert is served along with various mixed drinks, he comes down to the point of why he asked you here.
I hear you are in look of work. I would like for you to undertake a task for me. I would send some of my own people, but I am spread a little thin of late with the harvest coming in and the demand for spices out East, and lumber to the South. My son, Stephan, took part of his inheritance last year and traveled to a mining town about a week's journey from here. He was planning on financing his own digging venture up into the mountains.
Everything seemed to be going fine, and he even wrote of discovering some silver and mithril deposits, but then all communication ceased. I haven't heard from him in a month and I am starting to get worried. Could you travel to Kivud's pass and head into the mountains beyond and find him? I want to make sure he is alright.
I can offer you 300 gold now to outfit yourself for the journey, and an additional 700 when you return with my son or news of his progress in the venture. I think a tidy sum like that would catch your interest yes?
Tess towers over all the folks in the room as she replies
"That sounds like a good offer, and Offer my help."
Raivin lumbers in, late as usual given his slow, lurching gait on slightly crooked legs and simply nods in agreement.
Mithril is a worthy investment. Even I can't break mithril.
Never seen a woman tall as me. Never heard an accent like that either. Kivud's Pass, don't know it. Mountains mean little people. Can slip off in the night.
Tess sees Raivin enter
"Looks like another Ulfen is going to be joining this little expedition, and looks like he's been through a lot."
Tess is almost a full head taller then Raivin.
"What can you tell us of your son? Do you suspect someone, an enemy perhaps? Maybe some one he or you have angered? Is there anything you would like for us to deliver to him? A letter perhaps? If he is indeed fine and nothing has happened, them a group of strangers walking into town and trying to remove a man may not be met with glee. We may need something from you indicating who we are, or that we are under your employment at the very least. Oh, and forgive me, you have an exquisite home."
Sarrissa enjoyed the meal and the plush furniture. It was nicer than she had seem in quite some time. In truth, it made her miss her parents and the home she grew up in. Even more than the house and it's contents though, she was in awe of the two huge humans. The bigger one was two feet taller than she was, and they each probably weighed twice as much as she did. She had two wonder if they were half-giants. She had heard tales of the Ulfens, but she had never encountered any as large as these. She tried hard not to stare.
Beauregard sits with fingers thoughtfully steepled in front of him.
If everything is fine I certainly would not want you to remove him. Just a report of his well being and the carrying of any updates he has of the mining operation would be sufficient. But given his normal perclivity towards the overly communicative I doubt everything is fine.
I will write you a letter of introduction to Stephan as well as one to the mayor of Kivud's Pass, whoever that may be. It should serve to ensure safety from any hard feelings at your arrival.
He takes a slow draw from his brandy, draining it to the bottom of the glass before glaring at a butler that apparently was to prevent that from happening. Rising from his chair, he makes his way over to the sideboard to refresh the glass, before heading into the foyer. If you will come this way, there is a portait we had made of Stephan a few years ago. Very inexpert, and the likeness perhaps a little too heroic, but it will give you a starting point for who you are looking for.
As you retire to the sitting room across the foyer you find this portrait hanging on one of the walls.
I do not suspect anyone in particular to be the cause of my son's incommunicativeness. I have business rivals that would like to see my downfall, but we all understand that if certain lines are crossed it will result in the ruination of us all. Bringing foul play to family members is one such line. Any merchant or trader that tried to step outside the bounds of fair play would be rapidly set upon by all the others. It is a brutal system at times, but it ensures that there are rules in place.
It is of course possible that Stephan found so successful of a venture that he has decided to pursue it on his own, severing business ties from me. I doubt that, he doesn't really have the mental courage for so gutsy a move. But if he has I am glad for him. You will earning 700 gold simply by finding that out and coming back to tell me.
A maid makes the rounds through the sitting room, offering to refresh drinks or provide pipeweed to those that are interested.
Beauregard sighs heavily, Sadly, probably not as much as I should if it is going to be a going concern in the future. Since it was Stephan's first major outing I let him handle all of the research. I personally have never had much interest in mining. It is a dirty and dangerous work, and the costs are commiserate with that. I prefer to trade in metal goods after they have come out of the ground and been turned into something useful.
From what I read in Stephan's missives Kivud's was a sleepy village that recently found some success in a mining boom. The town has grown in the past few years, and he felt the time was nigh to get in on the ground floor of something that could apparently be huge. Really make a name for himself.
He chuckles softly, his eyes gleaming with the light of a proud father.
Stephan says before the mining the only thing Kivud was really known for was a pass through the mountain for trade routes, and the most refreshing spring water within a hundred miles. Can you imagine that? A town being known for tasty water?
This appears to amuse Mr Gransby more than anything else this evening has.
Fenlin accepts the pipeweed, trying to determine where the tobacco leaves were grown. He reflects on the what he knows of the area.
How in the world did I miss this place in my studies? I have to do more research if I am to be any use to these people.
Slightly lost in thought, Fenlin asks'"Do you know why your son selected this area? Do you have any access to his research showing this area would be profitable? Even a map of the region would be helpful. I admit to knowing very little of the region itself."
"So when do we leave? First thing in the morning?" Sarrissa continues to munch on bits of food here and then begins wrapping handfuls up in small swatches of cloth and tying them up, stuffing them into her pockets. "Gotta save some of this for later." She follows behind as Beauregard leads them into the sitting room. "A handsome man, for a human, and the portrait is well done too."
Mr Gransby looks peircingly at Fenlin.
Sadly no. I had one of the butlers look through his personal things when he stopped responding to my letters. It appears he took everything but the most basic information about the area with him when he left.
I remember him grousing about the lack of good information a few years ago. Struck up a conversation with a local authority through mail. What was his name...Fenders...Sanders...Something-ders I know. Jacob, do you remember?
Turning to a butler that was hidden in the corner to the point that you had hardly noticed him until now, Beauregard looks inquisitive.
I believe it was a Mister Sendars, sir. Mayor Cristofar Sendars, if memory serves.
Yes of course, I remember now, Mayor Sendars. I guess that is who I will be writing the other letter of introduction to.
Turning to Sarissa, he addresses her questions, with a modicum of disdain for the table leavings that she has taken to go.
As for when you depart, that is up to you. Assuming that you are accepting the contract, I would appreciate some degree of haste. But having been in business for 30 years now, I understand that any amount of travel cannot be undertaken lightly or without provisions. Jacob will see to the advance before you leave tonight. If you come by tomorrow morning I will have the letters of introduction ready for you.
Jacob leans in and whispers something to Beauregard.
With a nod and a final sip of his brandy, Beauregard rises from his chair.
Now if you will excuse me, I have those letters to write, and other paperwork to complete before I turn in, and I leave in a caravan tomorrow at daybreak, an important state dinner tomorrow night that I cannot afford to miss.
Feel free to stay here and talk amoungst yourselves if you have any thing to discuss before deciding. Let Jacob know your decision, and he will provide the paperwork that needs to be assigned, as well as the discussed advance.
With a stretch and a scratch Mr Gransby takes his leave. You are left in the sitting room with Jacob, another unnamed butler, and a maid to keep you company.
"I think it would be best to go in the morning, since we don't know if there are any inns or small camps along the way, and it does takes time to setup a camp if none are found along the route."
"I won't speak for anyone else, but I will accept the offer and seek out the man. No one should be left alone in the dark." She sits solemnly, waiting to see how the others will respond.
Fen, attempts to cover his curiosity by reaching for more of the pipeweed and tamping down and igniting it.
"I too plan to seek Stephan out. If we are all in, perhaps we should decide together what we shall need to purchase."
Results of eavesdropping are coming to you in PM.
As Jacob turns and follows Mr Gransby to the exit of the room he catches Fenlin's eye and his brow furrows. He knows that you caught at least some of what he said. It does not appear he is going to do anything about it at this moment.
After Gransby leaves the room Jacob turns back to the group.
Well, it sounds like you are in agreement about the mission then. Allow me to procure the necessary paperwork.
He leaves you for a few moments, returning with a money purse and a scroll. He unrolls the scroll across the desk that sits in one corner.
There is one aspect of the job that the Master did not discuss. It is of an...ahem...delicate nature. This contract lists the details of your task, which includes that...
Settling his reading glasses he reads from the contract.
In the unfortunate event that Stephan Gransby has departed, the undersigned agree to take all appropriate and due steps in recovery of his body for return to Wellspring to be interred in the family plot. If events necessitate the invocation of this clause the undersigned will be entitled to an additional 800 gold pieces upon completion of the contract, bringing the total to 1500.
If they are unable to retrieve the body, and only return with news of his demise, the undersigned forfeit this additional 800 gold and will only be remitted the originally agreed upon 700.
If all of this appears to be in order please sign at the bottom. You will see Master Beauregard has already signed the document himself.
While the others look over the document Jacob turns to Aran. You may find that it is late for most of the storefronts this evening. If you have difficulties locating any of the supplies you need send me a message tonight here at the house. We can use the Master's contacts to gather what you need at market prices and have it ready for you in the morning, as it sounds like you are planning on departing first thing.
Hmm... this contract is a bit vague. I wonder how it would be handled if his corpse were to be corrupted by undeath. However, it is unlikely...none of these other people seemed to be concerned by it. Well dung, this is a pickle.
Fen reluctantly picks up the quill and signs his name. After ensuring his name is powdered and dried, he walks over to the monk and offers his hand."Well met Aran, my name is Fenlin. Happy to make your aquaintence."
Running his hand through his hair, he gets a little quiet. "Ah..actually, I need a tent or sleeping roll or something, dried food as well." Chagrined, he admits,"It's my first time heading out of the city of any length of time."
Raivin signs his name and looks over at Fenlin and Aran.
How long will you need tomorrow? Should probably get moving as quickly as we can.
Fen considers the question and answers,"Given the vendor is looking to collect his coin early in the day, no more than an hour I should think. Sorry, I do not believe we were properly introduced. I am Fenlin, and this is Aran. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
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Aran bows toward Raivin. "How do you do? I look forward to traveling with you."
Turning back towards Fen, Aran says, "Rations should be easy to come by. I'm more concerned about how to deal with threats and survive."
His brows furrows before continuing, "Do you think we can find a Wand of Cure Light Wounds with 10 charges? That should be about 150 gold. I'm sorry to say my healing abilities are rudimentary at best."
The large man nods, seemingly surprised at the courtesy.
Name's Raivin. Same to, uh, same to you I guess. Ain't like I can heal, though I don't got much gold to spare. If'n you want to use the 300 we's getting, I got no argument.
"Are we to be walking or should we purchase some horses? Maybe a wagon or cart as well...even a pack animal would be helpful, especially if there is a chance we're bringing back a body." The last part is said in a hushed tone. "A wand of healing would be valuable and helpful, but they are expensive, and we may not even need it. As our host said, it may be that the son simply stopped reporting his progress". Oh, and a crowbar might be a good idea."
You will probably have trouble finding a shop that sells second hand magic wands. I can make some quick inquiries for you this envening to a few of the master's contacts and see if they have anything lying around. If I am able to find something then I will send Ferguson there out to get it before dawn in the morning.
10 uses for around 150? I will see what I can do.
Tess introduces herself to the group with a minor bowing motion
"I am Titania Evangeline Snowfell, A Skald."
Tess replies to Sarrissa on horses
"I doubt you could find a horse big enough for either Me or Raivin. And if we were to ride in a cart or carriage, it'd be one an open one."
Raivin shrugs.
Plus food for 'em. 'Ent like we're going to the other side o' the country, why not walk? Get a horse if'n we need it?
"Very good sirs, ladies."
Jacob takes the list, and it disappears up his sleeve with surprising finesse. He then motions to lead them from the sitting room.
"The master asked me to arrange lodging for you should you accept the contract. You will be staying at The Heroes' Purse, just a few streets over.
The proprietor, Sonod, knows to expect you."
As he opens the door to bid you good night, his face lights as he just remembered something. "Oh, one last thing. The House would prefer if any conversations that happened this evening would remain in confidence."
His eyes casually make eye contact with each of you, lingering longer and becoming stern when locked with Fenlin.
"There are those in the city that would seek advantage in what has been said."
Tess whispers to the group (each individually) as they travel as she chats with them cycling through each member of the group
"Please don't speak aloud, but it looks like we have a quiet bird following us."
As Titania is speaking to Raivin he looks confused at her, then shrugs slightly.
and what am I to do exactly? If I can't talk about it then I probably can't kill it either.
Hmm...I have heard of wizards looking through the eyes for their familiars,but I thought they had a limited range. Has our employer found some way to keep an eye on us, or is this someone else?
You arrive at The Heroe's Purse without incident or any other sightings of Titania's "bird".
It is past the dinner hour as you walk in, but there are still a few patrons in the main room, nursing ales and chatting about the local gossip.
One hooded figure sits in the corner by him/herself, coming to the end of what looks to be the third mug of ale.
A halfling flits around the room serving patrons and engaging in conversation. He is surprisingly tall for a halfling, probably just above 3 and a half feet.
Come in and seat yourselves wherever. I will be with you in a moment.
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"Y'know," Aran muses out loud, "I've read that certain birds can almost perfectly mimic human speech. Isn't that interesting?
"I've heard certain ravens and colorful birds called parrots, mostly found in the Shackles, can even hold conersations with their masters."
He continues walking non-chalantly looking at Titiana to let her know he got the message.
"Birds? They don't normally follow people, or orders for that matter. You want me to shoot it? I could use the feathers for fletching..." Sarrissa follows behind Titania, constantly looking up at just how big the woman really was. Behind her, Sarrissa couldn't be seen from the other side. She was almost smaller than the woman's shadow. She used her as cover to hide her presence.
"My grandmother used to have a crow. That blasted thing caused all sorts of problems with her neighbors. If something had a shine to it, that bird was sure to swoop in and take it. Got to be a running joke to 'keep your trinkets in you pocket or watch 'em fly with Dockett'. Never really liked that bird, always gave me the creeps. Well, now that is all I can think about. I'm going to be looking over my shoulder for days now." Turning his attention to Sonod, "Thank you innkeep."
An actual spy about? Working for whom I wonder. Same problem as earlier, just a different form.
Thanks.
Raivin lumbers in as he usually does and sits down quietly, as if he were trying to shrink his large frame into as small and unobtrusive as possible.
Tess thinks
Looks like two figured it out
Tess replies to Sonod
"Thank you, and could I sing for my supper?"
Hmm, well, my regular entertainment said they would not be able to make it tonight. Something about a dulcimer with broken strings. Not many people to entertain, besides yourselves...but I'll tell you what, if you can double my patronage in the next hour, I will have the the kitchen whip up something for you and your friends here.