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Post by taketoshi on Jul 14, 2011 11:41:21 GMT -5
"The wrong person?" Norx looks puzzled. "But this is an elf shield, and the man who wants it is also an elf, yes? I see nothing wrong."
Norx smiles up at the serving girl as she brings him another drink, and takes a hearty slurp, satisfied with his easing of Tembo's concerns.
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Post by Lord Inar on Jul 18, 2011 11:48:19 GMT -5
"Perhaps you're right." Tembo looks off, lost in thought. "However, there was some solid advice. We're likely to encounter Caprians and Dwarggs on our way up the Mountain. Also snakes. I've got some mean to cure poison, but we should be prepared. Finish up and let's go to the merchant's and get you anything else we need." I think we can go and come back before the others arrive.
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jul 19, 2011 4:27:35 GMT -5
As you finish your drinks and arise to leave, one of the humans from the table of adventurers approaches you. He is a slender man with a wide smile.
"Friends," he begins, "do I guess correctly when I tell my comrades you are going into Cygnosa?" He indicates the rough-looking crew he was sitting with. "Might you be so kind as to take this package and deliver it to the Axefeast tribe of orcs on the first level of the mountain's insides? We would gladly pay you for your trouble. Say, 500 silvers. A fair sum for a small task on the way you were heading, anyway, eh? What do you say, mates?"
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Post by Lord Inar on Jul 19, 2011 12:33:41 GMT -5
Tembo looks at Norx sheepishly, when his fear of needing to be the negotiator dwindles as Reynaldo steps, or rather bursts, into the tavern. "Sorry for the delay, my friends. I see Norx has wasted no time. Tembo, I hope you're not too worried about keeping us healthy. What's this?" Tembo briefly explains the new situation to Reynaldo.
"Well, 500 silvers is a tidy sum for a 'small' task, as you say, especially when it takes us deep into orc territory. Shall we say half up front, for good will and supplies, and half when we return? You wouldn't want your task to fail simply due to the fact that your messengers were ill-equipped." Reynaldo gestures in the direction of the merchant shop with a disarming smile.
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Post by taketoshi on Jul 19, 2011 18:58:17 GMT -5
Norx grumbles sullenly. "It seems to me that trying to parlay with Orcs is a good way to end up in trouble. but 500 silvers is pretty tempting when divided into two and a half shares". He winks slyly in Tembo's direction. "Also, I could use some more gear myself, so I think half up front is a wonderful idea."
He glowers impressively at the stranger. "What's your name, anyway, friend? And what kind of goods are we delivering? I don't carry poisons, or explosives."
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jul 20, 2011 11:59:52 GMT -5
He seems slightly taken aback at your suggestion of a downpayment, but his easy smile returns. "Well, to be honest, our employer has yet to pay us. For several tasks we are performing - this is just one. We are not too keen on entering the mountain, and since you are heading that way...well. This is to say, half is beyond our means. But as a gesture of our good faith, will you take 50 silvers as a downpayment? The rest shall be here with the barkeep, upon your return."
He holds up a locked iron box, about 1 foot in all three dimensions. "It must be delivered to a shaman of the Axefeast tribe, in the northern section of level 1, just north of their great hunting cavern. You will come to one of their checkpoints soon after entering the mountain, assuming you enter through the caprian's keep at the peak. Be aware those goat-headed bastards will charge you a fee to enter, which varies. In fact, you will find that many in the mountain will demand payment for passing their domain.
"If you agree, I will accost my friends' purses, and I am certain we can come up with 50 silvers. What say you, friends?"
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Post by Lord Inar on Jul 20, 2011 15:21:36 GMT -5
After another moments conferring between Tembo and Reynaldo, Reynaldo smiles and then speaks again. "Give us a moment to consider. Do forgive us our ignorance, but we also have business in the Dwargg city up the mountain. Will we be passing that way on this errand?"
"Oh, yes, and as our illustrious companion remarked," Reynaldo gestures to Norx, "what was your name again?"
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jul 20, 2011 16:19:50 GMT -5
"The dwargg city is on the second level of the mountain, though I don't recommend you go there - unless you want to be a slave. You should be safe at the trading post, though. You will have to pass the Axefeast tribe before you get to the second level, though there may be a way past we don't know about.
"My name?. Bazz. My group is the Broken Cask." He hitches his fingers in his belt, which bears several knives and daggers. "And the box's contents are unknown to me. Our employer just gives us orders. We are doing many tasks for...him. So I guess in a way, you'd be a subcontractor to us. Hah! I always wanted to use that word in a sentence!"
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Post by blacknigel on Jul 20, 2011 19:19:21 GMT -5
Bazz's last outburst seems to catch the momentary attention of two cowled figures sitting at a nearby table. Their features are largely hidden by the shadows, and one (or is it both?) might even be wearing a mask under the cowl.
They seem to have some gear underneath the table, and a spear is leaning against the wall beside one of them. They each have a sizeable mug in front of them. Both are untouched.
Neither makes any move or noise, perhaps they only seemed to be paying attention.
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Post by Lord Inar on Jul 21, 2011 16:36:19 GMT -5
"Hmm," Reynaldo rubs his small beard, "What will you need as proof that we have delivered the box, both for your protection and ours?" Reynaldo tugs lightly on Norx's shoulder to get him to stand up, hopefully making his question appear more than just an idle comment.
Tembo is scanning the room as this goes on, still a bit paranoid after his visit to the fortune teller. He notices the two strangers and then looks away.
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Post by blacknigel on Jul 21, 2011 16:45:16 GMT -5
[The two strangers are obviously my characters, but I wasn't sure what their relationship to Reynaldo, Tembo and Norz is/was prior to this point. Unless mister frau blucher has specific plans, they are just biding their time to introduce themseves to the party. They don't want to interrupt or even become part of the negotiations, but they are looking for a chance to speak to you without the Broken Cask being around.]
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jul 22, 2011 8:03:13 GMT -5
[No specific plans for the relationship between Reynaldo/Tembo/Norx and the kitties - we can play it however you want, but for the nonce I am assuming you are strangers.]
Bazz gain seems a little thrown by your comments, but easily recovers. "Proof of delivery, aye. Well, the orcish shaman will give you a token, which you will return to us, and we will take to our employer."
One of the tables of soldiers gets up to leave, paying the barkeep. The other group of soldiers contiues a loud dice game, ignoring your conversation. The group of farmers is finishing up and looks ready to depart. The other four members of the Broken Cask eye you intently as you converse with Bazz.
"So, what is your decision? If you decline, we need to find another plan, which we'd best be doing before we fall prey to age."
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Post by Lord Inar on Jul 22, 2011 8:32:21 GMT -5
Reynaldo counters without a bit of sharpness or irony, "And one will have the luxury of falling prey to age by being careful and not rushing headlong into unknown matters." He bows slightly. "Even so, I believe we will take your offer, as I believe the extra funds will be needed to supply my companion here with more brainblasters when we come back."
Reynaldo holds out his hand to shake on the deal.
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Post by taketoshi on Jul 22, 2011 15:20:35 GMT -5
Norx looks up quietly, with a stern look on his face. "50 silvers? A pittance, certainly. But I am sure I could get the remainder out of your hide should you double-cross us...Bazz."
He nods to Reynaldo. "I will carry this thing, unknown though it is." His eyes drop to his empty mug. "And perhaps I will be finished with the drinks for now, seeing as we may be on our way with the dawn."
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jul 23, 2011 11:04:22 GMT -5
Bazz shakes Reynaldo's hand, then cocks an eyebrow at Norx's words. He shrugs.
"Right! Let me just raise the 50 silvers from my comrades, and I'll be back in a jiffy."
He turns away, still carrying the box. He converses with his friends, who seem perterbed. He looks at you, smiles, and then turns back to his companions. They are reluctant to part with the downpayment.
While this is occuring, you hear some commotion outside. This gradually builds until the soldiers stop their dice game and sprint for the door. As the lead one opens it, you hear yelling and the clash of blades outside.
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