Port Torvin

[Rex]

Fahima

"Agreed, we should go as a group and try and leverage any deal with him as a group. It will strengthen our position. The nice part about the boat is i can wash my feet in the water so they are nice and presentable."

[gurusql]

Zan

Zan agrees to meet here and will go to his room, write some notes on the day and catch a short nap before the main event.

[GreyWolfVT]

Roan nods his head to Cassius "Yup, I'll see of the fine lady ere has a tub er somethin' I can wash up in. Guess I'll need ta shop fer some clothin' an armor less stained. That er just wear a robe over em. As fer me scars nothin' else can be done fer em an I ain't wearin' no makeup on em neither!" the states a bit louder than the rest of his talking, truly emphasizing his distaste of the idea of wearing makeup to cover up his burn scarred scalp.

[Rex]

Fahima

"Maybe just but a tabard or surcoat to cover your armor and clothing, would be a lot cheaper then buying new armor."

[GreyWolfVT]

Roan agrees "Yeah, somethin' I s'pose."

[Karaunios]

Vilana nods.

[hedgeknight]

Greyhawk, 586 CY, Readying 14 > Remembrance Day
Port Torvin, at the mouth of the Javan River; Cold and Windy and Sprinkling Rain

Zan will make sure the street urchin is not near his person, I have had enough stolen for one day. Unless she has something very quick and very important Zan's kindness to her is over.

The filthy girl crawls out from under the table once the guards clear out; once she makes sure Wilma isn't watching. Seeing the cross glare from Zan she quickly puts out her fist and drops five silver pieces on the table. "That...was my share. Like I said, I didn't know Ricky was gonna cut your coin purse."
The corners of her mouth twitch as if she were going to smile, but the smile never manifests; perhaps she has forgotten how to do it. She then moves away quickly and darts back out into the rain and mud.

Talk turns to the Count's offer, rooms, naps, and perhaps a bath or two. Wilma overhears as she delivers another round of food and drinks. "We ain't got no rooms or such here at the Moose. Plenty of places in town, though they might be a bit crowded seeing as how it's Remembrance Day and all. The River Boat is a nice place, if'n a might costly, and the beds at The Sea Siren are super comfy and stuffed with the finest down there be in all of Port Torvin! If yer purse is thin, there's always The Naked Duck, right on the river. It ain't fancy or nothin' but it'll hold ye over for a spell. I once had a wild evenin' with a couple of fellers from Saltmarsh. One of 'em had a pecker the size of..."
She trails off as she hurries off to fetch more drinks for thirsty patrons.

Whether you get a room (5 silver a night/3 gold a week) or a bath (3 copper) or both, whether you sleep in the Elves' boat or on a downy bed, all of you manage to meet up and arrive outside the gated grounds of Count Tydan shortly before 6:00 o'clock. You are met at the gate by eight guardsmen, armed to the teeth, dressed in shining mail and colorful cloaks of red and green. They walk you up the graveled path to one of the nicest manor houses you've seen. Framed by large columns of some marbled stone, the porch has at least a dozen steps and through the double doors there awaits more guards and a long table where you are asked to leave your weapons for the evening.
Assuming you cooperate (the guards expect some disgruntled comments about it), you are then escorted down a wide hallway and into a large dining room where tables of food await. A roaring fire burns the chill away and the seats are cushioned and comfortable. Count Tydan greets each of you as you enter with a firm handshake and his ever-present smile.

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The food smells delicious and once dinner begins, there is little talking save for the calls of more wine or bread, or butter or cheese, or another ladle of oyster stew or roasted apples with sugary cinnamon. Count Tydan eats enough of the grilled tuna for two men, while spooning creamy garlic potatoes in his mouth with a grunt of satisfaction.
Once everyone has ate their fill, the Count calls for rum and brandy, stands and lifts his glass in a toast. All of you stand as well, since it is the polite thing to do, and lift your glasses. "To adventures far and wide where great wealth awaits us all! And to new friendships...for poor is the man, or woman, who doesn't have friends." he says. Taking a sip of brandy, Count Tydan sits back down and...smiles.
"Now, I hope you have enjoyed your meal, and I thank you for accepting my invitation to dinner. Wasn't it delicious? I will pass on your compliments to Chef Trayme and his crew. But...you didn't come for the food, you came for the mission. It is a two-fold mission, part delivery, part rescue."
The Count pushes back his chair and stands, placing his hands behind his back. He appears anxious and unsure; certainly two characteristics you wouldn't expect in such a powerful man.
"First, the delivery. I have a gift for Sakatha, the Great Lizard King of the Hool Marshes." He turns and picks up a large wooden box from a table behind his chair. The box is bound with metal edges and has a heavy lock. The box is easily two feet high and two feet wide. "This...gift will go far in establishing good relations with the lizardfolk of the Hool. Relations which could greatly benefit Port Torvin. You will take this box and deliver it to Sakatha, with my blessing."
Count Tydan takes a long drink of brandy before speaking again. His eyes are closed for several seconds, allowing the liquor to warm his insides. He opens his eyes and says, "Now, the rescue. After you have delivered my gift, I need you to travel to the Duchy of Berghof, to Hallbridges ...and rescue my daughter."
Anger has flushed the Count's face and there is fire in his eyes. And it's not from the brandy! "Lord Aron Kerest of Hallbridges will welcome you in my name, as will Landra...his wife."
He stops talking and his face softens a bit. Then, "It is Landra who will help you, not Lord Aron. It is to her, you must go...and bring my daughter to Port Torvin."
Count Tydan drains the rest of his brandy and holds his cup for one of his servants to refill. His piercing gaze sweeps the table, to each of you, and then he finally asks, "What questions have you of me before you accept this mission?"

[Rex]

Fahima

Fahima speaks up first, "Why does your daughter need rescuing?"

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

Cassius smiles at the guards requesting his arms and complies. "Of course, I would be suspicious of anything else."

As the main driver for his acceptance of the invitation, the feast doesn't disappoint, and he eats his share. After the Count delivers his pitch, Cassius leans back with a brandy and thinks for a moment.

"A few questions pop to mind. First, why would you entrust mercenaries to deliver a courtly gift? Unless Sakatha isn't currently an ally, that is. Secondly, your daughter. Does Lord Aron know that she is your daughter?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Roan hands over his weapons not happily as the dwarf grumbles to himself while and after doing so. He doesn't hold back on the drink or food and tries to remain "civilized" in his manners of how he consumes both, until a few hearty belches burst forth the dwarf unable to hold them back pardons himself figuring that is the civilized manner of dealing with such accidental outbursts. After listening to the count and hearing some of the questions for him he asks his as well. "What, happened to yer daughter, that ended her up elsewhere? Why, ain't you sendin' yer own emissary ta deliver tha gift? Are yah expectin' any trouble from tha lizardfolk is that why yer sendin' us rather than yer own men? You sure yer daughter wants rescuin'? I ain't sayin' I got problems wit any o' this mind yah. Last question I got is what's in it fer us? Whats this mission reward us with?"

[Spearmint]

Gordansk

The box is bound with metal edges and has a heavy lock. The box is easily two feet high and two feet wide.

Having spoken already of the daughter in question and not wanting to voice his Augury error, he keeps quiet sliding a little bit deeper into his high backed chair.

He wonders if he had said the child was not his then they wouldn't be sent upon a fool's errand.

"Is that a dragon egg? Or an orb?" he points a thin finger at the box, intrigued to its contents.

[gurusql]

Zan

Zan gives up his staff and sling without a fuss.

He enjoys the food enough to full him up not to stuff himself.

"I am curious to the questions the others have asked, First, is Sakatha, the Great Lizard King expecting the gift? or at least a group to visit him? Secondly, if your daughter is truly in danger, why is there time for the rescue to wait until after the Lizard King gift is delivered." Zan says with a raised eyebrow.

[Karaunios]

Vilana also gives her weapons unwillingly.

She eats judiciously but enjoys the food. She smiles and nods at Roan when he apologizes after his belching, as if validating that that's the right way to do it.

After the count's speech, she has also answers to add of her own. "But, regarding your daughter, Sir, why is it that the lord of Hallbridge will cooperate while her wife will? Where is your daughter exactly? Is she in their castle, retained against her will?"

[hedgeknight]

Fahima

Fahima speaks up first, "Why does your daughter need rescuing?"

The Count turns his piercing gaze upon the Halfling, but he is no longer smiling. "She's being held against her will. She's made it clear she wishes to come visit me here in Port Torvin, but Lord Aron is unwilling to let her come."

Cassius speaks up next. "First, why would you entrust mercenaries to deliver a courtly gift? Unless Sakatha isn't currently an ally, that is. Secondly, your daughter. Does Lord Aron know that she is your daughter?"
"Sakatha is not an ally...yet. This gift is a sign of respect. I believe Sakatha will take it as one and thus, arrange a meeting to discuss terms of allegiance."
"As for my daughter, the Princess Issabo, Lord Aron...believes she to be his own."
The Count places his brandy glass on the table and walks over to the fireplace, hands behind his back. "Landra will help you convince Lord Aron to let Issabo come along with her mother to visit the port towns near Javan Bay. Landra is the key; it is to her you must go. She has a plan."

Roan can keep silent no longer. "What, happened to yer daughter, that ended her up elsewhere? Why, ain't you sendin' yer own emissary ta deliver tha gift? Are yah expectin' any trouble from tha lizardfolk is that why yer sendin' us rather than yer own men? You sure yer daughter wants rescuin'? I ain't sayin' I got problems wit any o' this mind yah. Last question I got is what's in it fer us? Whats this mission reward us with?"
The Count turns to face his guests once again; his smile back on his face. "Nothing happened to her, master Dwarf. She was born in Hallbridges and has rarely left the duchy. She knows her...Lord Aron...is keeping a secret from her. She also knows she doesn't really favor the man at all. She has her mother's hair, but my nose and eyes. She looks nothing like the man who thinks he sired her."
"As for the lizardfolk, I don't expect any trouble. But, they are good allies to have when Keoland threatens to extend its arm into the Hold of the Sea Princes! We fought and died to maintain what we have here, without very little help from the King. I'll be damned if I'll sit by and watch him encroach any further into the Hold!"
He realizes his voice has raised almost to shouting, and the Count stops talking while he gathers his composure. "I'm sending you because my own men could be detained on the river. Keoland's reach is far...too far. They won't expect a bunch of adventurers seeking fortune in the Hool."

"Is that a dragon egg? Or an orb?" Gordansk asks, pointing at the box.
The Count's jaw twitches and he replies, "As I said before, it is a gift. That's all you need to know to deliver it."

"I am curious to the questions the others have asked, First, is Sakatha, the Great Lizard King expecting the gift? or at least a group to visit him? Secondly, if your daughter is truly in danger, why is there time for the rescue to wait until after the Lizard King gift is delivered." Zan says with a raised eyebrow.
"I never said my daughter was in danger. I said she needed to be rescued. There is a difference. Hence, there is no rush, except that I would see my daughter as soon as I can. And I've been in touch with Sakatha via raven. He knows I wish to treat with him."

Lastly, Vilana speaks up. "But, regarding your daughter, Sir, why is it that the lord of Hallbridge will cooperate while her wife will? Where is your daughter exactly? Is she in their castle, retained against her will?"
"My daughter is at Lord Aron's estate in Hallbridges. And Lord Aron...knows nothing of my plans to see my daughter. In your negotiations with him, my name is not to be mentioned. We have a rivalry, you might say, that goes back many years. My name is not spoken kindly among the members of the Kerest family. Lord Aron believes he is protecting his daughter by not allowing her to go roving with her mother. He believes her too young to take care of herself should her mother fall into danger out on the moors."

Count Tydan returns to his brandy glass, and then says, "You will, of course, be highly compensated for your efforts. Upon your return with my daughter, each of you will receive 2000 gold in coin and gems. In addition, you will be become authorities of Port Torvin, issued writs of jurisdiction for which you will receive a monthly salary as you carry out the business of your Count. Should you not wish this, you will be given leave and a ship to bear you wherever you wish to sail. You have my word."

He sips his brandy and looks over his glass to see if there are any further questions.

[Spearmint]

Gordansk

He has never been commissioned for anything before. The banquet table and fine hall a stark contrast to his usual habits. Besides he 'soothed a saying' from the bottom of a bowl of tea leaves and for better or worse, he takes accountability to what he said. A bit late now to ask 'what if she was not your daughter?'.

"I will go, though I know not the way." he says, ruffling the feathers on his shawl.

He gulps, guessing that 'no daughter means no return'.

[Rex]

Fahima

Thinking it through for a few minutes and waiting on someone else to speak first she readily volunteers once Gordansk speaks up.

"I will go, it seems an admirable enough task."

[GreyWolfVT]

Roan with a big smiling hiding behind his beard replies "That's a good price. Though, I'm thinkin' that be a lot o' coin and gems ta carry hw bout somethin' in tha way of a magic item er potion er somethin'? Not trying ta haggle yah count, just thinkin' I'll need me own servant hired ta just carry that much around. An hire some guards on ta boot. I don't s'pose ya got a map fer us in directing us ta both places do yah? That er a guide. An if it ain't clear I'm sayin' I'm in just had more ta ask." the dwarf doesn't say a word about the writ for jurisdiction and hire via the count he's been down that road before.

[gurusql]

Zan

Zan will nurse his brandy as the group continues to ask questions.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

After hearing the reply to his own questions, the Archer takes a glass and drinks while pondering the implications of it all. A trek through marsh while transporting who knows what to a possibly hostile audience, then (and there are no real other words) kidnapping the wife and expected daughter from a rival lord. Then, of course, coming back through possibly hostile territory probably while being hunted by the jilted lord.

His ears perk up at the mention of the reward, however, and he chokes a bit on his drink. 2000g times one,two, six is... "I should have been a Count." He unwittingly remarks aloud and sheepishly looks around.

He tries to regain his composure "Family is worth any price. I will help you. We would need transportation if you would be amenable to that. Possibly an advance for supplies as well. Finally, how young is 'too young'? The logistics of escorting a young child are quite different than an older one."

[Darklin2]

Sai

I would undertake your mission. The Lizard Folk are an Honorable people. I have had dealings with some in the past. They keep their word and are excellent scouts. But before we depart who in the city makes the best archery equipment? I am in need of new arrows and a couple of extra bow strings. I will go on your mission, and see it done. If not for anything more than for a Daughter to see her Father.

he sits back down and finishes his drink.