Helix village.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin hails the guard with a heart wave and a smile "Well I was hoping to be able to speak with lord Krothos. Supposing he is allowing an audience. I would be alright speaking with a ward if that is the protocol."

[Spearmint]

The Village Manse.

The guard responds to Dalin.

"Well supposing he is and supposing he ain't. Could be attending matters of state and great import. Don't like to disturb him too much.

Been scrapping have you? Lovely black eye that. Not a good impression in front of his lordship.

Supposing I can ask his chamberlain Ollis for you. What do you want me to say?"

Include a 4d6 vs charisma roll please.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin clears his throat "Actually it was trust upon me, I didn't bring the scuffle about intentionally. But anyway I apologize for my appearance. I was hoping to discuss matters of licenses, and order taxes I'd like to see about paying for Perni, or at least negotiating about them."

CHA 10 [4d6]=14 oof!

[Spearmint]

The Village Manse

Pernicious eh? Want to do her a favour. Can't blame you, perhaps you are thinking getting in her good books might get you in her knickers. Well not hers exactly. Anyway, Krothos swans around her place most nights so likely they'll be on good terms anyways."

He looks quite dubious at your request. "Taxes? Well his lordship does like to institute some governmental reforms. Regulations and bureaucracy to keep order. Not sure negotiations are likely. He might think you disagree with his policies and think he is wrong. Can't be having that now can we. But I'll let Ollis know you called and expressed an interest."

He seems to end the matter.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin nods "Very well. What of Ollis? Does he swan to the Pheasant as well? But no I'm not looking for anything like that, and actually I had some ideas that might work in the lords favor. But anyway I'll be on my way I suppose at least until my eye looks more eh presentable. Thank you kind sir. Are you allowed to take tips if I were to offer you one for such excellent service?" he asks the guard.

[Spearmint]

The Village Manse

"Tips might be perceived as bribes Sir. No telling who watches from behind the curtains. Walls have ears and all that." the guard looks up and behind as if expecting to see twitchy curtains.

"Ideas that might favour the Lord. Businessman are you? Politician?

Let me give you a tip so as you don't waste your time. When you have an idea of worth, collateral to back it up and demonstrable experience, I am sure an audience could be granted. But tinpot schemes full of grandiose nonsense will not be broached."

[GreyWolfVT]

Dalin nods his head "Advice heeded. I'll just be on my way then I suppose I'll catch the two at a later time. Again thank you for the excellent service. Good day sir." the dwarf begins heading off. This time back to the tavern.

[Urson]

Mai Ronin
Mai accepts the arrow with a bow from the waist. This is a beautiful piece, and I am honored. I am embarrassed to admit I have nothing so fine to give in return.
I understand the needs of the task, and I will return when I have companions to do the job.

She will return to the Strumpet to do her recruiting.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

Moriartus approaches the building that houses the local depot of The Silver Standard Merchant Company. He attempts to identify someone who appears to be in a position of authority. "Good afternoon. I am looking to speak with the person who coordinates shipments from the Crooked Yew hives? I intend to assist the druid, Mr. Clive, with a problem concerning the bees. Certainly a situation of mutual interest. Any information or assistance would be most helpful and potentially beneficial to the honey trade itself."

[Spearmint]

The Silver Standard Merchant Company.

Moriatus approaches the SS depot. The 'front of house' is a large barn warehouse behind a wrought iron gate, a small cottage serving as office and crew mess room. Behind the double storied barn is a large courtyard that has several covered wagons and two stagecoaches, a stable block lines the eastern wall which itself is a high stone built boundary to the property.

Various crewmen go about tasks, loading and unloading crates of import, textiles, ore, consumables. Among the men you can spot those more employed for guardian duties, sporting crossbows and mail armour.

Turgen has carved out a monopoly on the trade between the village and nearby towns. He also runs a merchant store on the other side of the village square. He is assisted by able deputies and one of those approaches the enquirer.

Agrippa "You are the second today. I think a pilgrim cleric asked the same earlier." he invites you into the office. "Smoke?" he opens a rolled pouch which has some cigars inside. He puffs merrily as he shuffles papers on a desk. Behind him two large hounds gnaw on some large hock bones.

"The trade began to tail off towards the end of last summer. Seems something was amiss and over the winter as they gather in hives to keep warm, well the spring thaw saw strange nuances in some drones. Some hives almost had a civil war, naturally they do with queens being hatched and despatched but this was more factional. To be honest, I am only a trader. Somewhere, somewhere ..." he shuffles papers which seem to be cargo orders. He taps one satisfactorily.

"The lumber mill requisition. Ah yes."

He tells you that the hive in question have requested some cut lumber to build a specialist
beehive so that they made study them a bit more close up. "If you are willing you could assist the wagon driver to get there?" he suggests.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

Moriartus accepts the offer of a cigar with a polite nod and samples it with a couple light draws. He exhales the smoke with a broad smile and a deep sigh. "Thank you, Mr. Agrippa. I don't often indulge myself, but this does help to ease the muscles after a long day of travelling."

He listens intently as the deputy relays the recent history of strange bee behaviour. "Interesting, and most strange, indeed." Moriartus decides not to share an initial theory of foul play. If one was inclined to infect the hive with a disease, late summer would be ideal. Allows the contagion time to spread while the bees are confined during the winter.

"That sounds like a most equitable agreement", he responds to Agrippa's offer. "I will assist your wagon driver. When does it leave for the hives? I also expect my investigation will require some time to complete. When is the wagon due to return?"

[Spearmint]

The Silver Standard Merchant Company

Agrippa the foreman looks at a topographic map of the area. It is very basic, (just like the one in the settings topic) "Nature's harvest. The honey and silk are the two main staples of finance for this region. Arable land to till is in short supply, mining is solely the realm of the dwarves under their Moon Peaks. About all we got left apart from unearthing the dead.

Krothos should do more to help but he sees it as a problem for the Hernites to solve themselves. They have some of differences of opinions stemming from the Duchy Campaigns." he refers to old wars in the region when militia drafting was an issue and certain rural communities baulked at the mandate.

"Let me show you the wagon." he takes you outside, the hounds following. They are slobbering mastiffs, deep black fur and muscle toned, each wears a studded collar.

The wagon is sturdy open deck with a bench seat. A spare wheel is hooked on the bed underside. Piled high in the back are planks cut with long groves, interior frames and exterior walls, some roofing joints, felt canvas. It looks enough to build a cabin let alone a hive. It raises the question 'just how big are these bees?' Agrippa stretches one arm out. "More or less."

"Smithy putting new shoes in the hooves. Be ready to go tomorrow if you're able. As to returning. Well Crabtree will help erect the Queen bees new palace, mayhap run an errand or two as well. So a couple of days. Rangers trek by the hives from time to time as well so you won't have to come back lonesome."

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

Moriartus takes a very keen interest in the topographic map, and actually procures a leather bound journal and pencil from his pack to transcribe a rough copy onto an empty page. "Seems odd that Lord Krothos would turn such a blind eye to a significant part of the local economy." He says this rhetorically, but a question lingers in his mind that by helping the Hernite druid Clive, other Hernite followers in the region may be more inclined to provide assistance or information in future endeavours.

When they exit the office and approach the wagon, Moriartus offers his hand to the mastiffs so they may learn his scent. He then spends the better part of two minutes wiping off the drool.

Agrippa sensed his question about the size of the new hive and the mage's eyes bulged slightly when he learned that the bees were quite a bit larger than he anticipated. "I had better seek allies, or at least hire some muscle ... just in case." He nods in agreement to the departure time and the return arrangements. "I will meet Mr. Crabtree then tomorrow morning. Thank you again for the assistance."

As he turns to leave, he stops abruptly and pivots around holding up the smoking wrap of tobacco. "Oh, and thanks for the cigar!"

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

Moriartus next decides to visit the Mercenary Guild. He was hoping to find the cleric who Agrippa mentioned had asked earlier about the bee hives as well, but failing that he will need to hire at least one mercenary to provide protection during the investigation.

He opens the door to the faux tower that appears to act as the office for the guild. With no experience hiring and negotiating terms for professionals from this line of work, he simply gets straight to the point. "Good afternoon, the name is Moriartus and I am in need of armed support for an investigation into the cause of trouble at the Crooked Yew hives. Specifically one, possibly two, individuals trained in combat and ideally forest navigation. Clerics, particularly servants of Herne or Silvanus would be of equal value considering the nature of the investigation. I have arranged to accompany a wagon from the Silver Standard Merchant Company and expect to stay at the hives for at least two days, so I will require an employment term of four days, minimum."

Moriartus looks about the room for a chair of some kind to occupy while patiently awaiting a response.

Charisma (17): [4d6]=18

[Spearmint]

The Mercenary Guild

"Now I do like that. A man comes swanning in, takes a seat like he owns the place, straight to the point. No silver-tongued airy-fairyness. I want this, to do that and go there. Specificity."

He snaps a finger to his half-orc companion, "Grievous Bodily, get out the 10-10's docets if you please." he refers to the 10gp and 10sp 'admin' charges.

He turns to looks out the office window studying who may be in the courtyard, "Clerics? Yggites' we have one or two. That backslidden paladin there looking for redemption, Knott 'the bishop', he has the crazies about rebuilding the sanctums on the moor. Good with oratory and bashing brains, not so good around mead though.

We do have 'Two-birds'. She has a healing touch, takes no shit from the men, drinks like a dwarf. Does some horse whispering too, calms them when they get frisky." he points out a lithe, green cloaked elf by the stables.

"Bennerjake twins. If you want 'rough and tumble', more act first than ask questions type. Strong in the arm but thick in the head.

Really depends on how much you can afford. And I'm doing a good deal here. Seconding them to your good self and not Turgen. Cost more if he wants them. Bleats on about how his wagons are secure but when the wheels come off he comes back to me for security.

So Moriartus, specificity."

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

Moriartus uses his staff for support as he rises from the chair and steps next to the window to get better look at the prospects. He also did this to provide him some time to ponder an interesting detail about Turgen. Apparently, like most successful merchants, Mr. Turgen pinches coins on overhead costs and light security with his wagons is a target of these cuts. Moriartus considered if additional hired help would be wise ...

He takes a long draw from his cigar then gestures with it to the lithe elf. "Two-birds I am interested in. I could use someone with an affinity to animals." If this extended in any way to giant bees, all the better, he thought. "The Bennerjake twins, as well. The investigation may lead to violence or reluctant suspects. They have a demeanour that can be ... useful ... for the latter."

He then turns about to regard Osen. "As for how much I can afford? A fair amount. What's the tally for the three? Do they require any equipment and are provisions expected to be provided? As for scheduling, the wagon is slated to leave on the morrow."

Moriartus eases back into the chair while Osen considers his request.

[Spearmint]

The Mercenary Guild

Osen and Moriartus negotiate.

"So down to business. Direct. So let me see now ... " he flicks a finger over an abacus, your scholarly academics noting instantly the odd plus and minuses, Osen notices that you notice. "Bring them in Greivious, let the dog see the rabbit." It is not an insult but as a saying so you get to view before making a choice.

While the trio are heralded he pitches the cost. Two-birds is a 20 gold dame. That is returnable subject to her safe return here. 10 silvers go to admin costs. We are a legitimate enterprise, mostly. At least bureaucracy is covered and it may in time prove the need to the Duchy for an armed militia. Fort Helix and Captain Osen have a pleasant ring to it don't you think?.

The twins are 10-10's. Four days you say? Well you can pay two days up front and the rest when they complete the job. 3gp a day. They will have their equipment which they are proficient in. Provisions are your concern.

A well fed army is a happy and lazy creature, better to fight on an empty stomach and enjoy the spoils of victory. Rewarding them will increase their morale. Bless them too much and you will be scorned as a soft touch and treated with contempt. Just like kids.

Ah! My children cometh."

59gp, 10sp. (40gp is the deposit).

'GBH' ('Grievous Bodily Harm') ushers in the trio. The Bennerjake twins are tall and broad, thick protruding lips, neanderthal foreheads and furrowed brows give them a 'hillbilly' look. Huge hands, calloused and mishaped knuckles grip axes. You would pit them against most trees in need of chopping. Two-birds is a breath of fresh air in the room. High cheekbones and freckle faced, green almond eyes. Her dark hair braided in long dreadlocks. She wears a wreath of mistletoe and holly, a short staff held across her shoulders like a yoke bar.

"Heading out west? Ok, suits me.

If you take an arrow I'll cut it out and patch you up but I ain't no patsy for any foolishness." she says looking at you, intrigued. You are clearly not most adventuring types.

"You want us to harum-scarum or hack n' slash? No bother. Just say the word." The twins try to stand to attention, flat footed and lurching but if ever you got stuck in a trench, these either side would give you a modicum of confidence.

round up any agreement Moriartus.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

Understanding that he was a new client and with the inherent associated risks, Moriartus decides to forego attempting to negotiate the cost. However, he does take the opportunity to grease the wheels for any future contracts. "Captain Osen ...", he says, appraising the man. "Yes, it would suit you quite well. An appropriate recognization for the service you provide for a vulnerable flank of the Duchy." He nods in agreement to the cost and conditions. The soundness of Osen's advice is acknowledged by a tap on the forehead an arched eyebrow.

"Impressive", Moriartus says as the half-orc of unusual size ushers the trio into the office. "Most impressive." He waits while the candidates offer their thoughts and then approaches Two-birds. He notes the wreath of mistletoe. "A disciple of Silvanus? Excellent. I brook no nonsense myself, madame. Such behaviour is folly travelling so near to the moor." Stepping over to the Bennerjake twins, he assesses their physical stature with an appreciative nod. "Yes, you two will prove to be most helpful in either case, to be sure."

He turns about to face the guildmaster again. "Mr. Osen, you obviously know your people quite well. They fit my requirements perfectly. I shall hire all three. I will arrange for provisions and return upon the morrow to collect them and pay the deposit plus two days wages, as agreed."

Moriartus leaves the compound and proceeds in the direction of Turgen's Trade Goods ...

[Quonundrum]

Turgen's Trade Goods

Moriartus trudges back to the town square and up to the front door of Turgen's Trade Goods. He takes a moment to catch his breath and arranges himself so as to be more presentable. Entering the establishment he looks about for the proprietor. "Mr. Turgen, I presume?" He steps before a window and gestures in the direction of The Silver Standard's depot yard. "I have a business proposition for you, sir. I spoke earlier with your foreman, Mr. Agrippa, about the terrible situation at the Crooked Yew hives that threatens the honey trade."

He begins to move about the store feigning interest in the different wares while accentuating his next words with gestures of his cigar. "I intend to conduct an investigation into the mystery, and for mutual benefit agreed to assist his wagon driver with a delivery of lumber to the hives."

"Not in the capacity as a wagon guard, mind. I'm sure you have already arranged for adequate security." He draws another drag from the cigar and displays it to Turgen. "Compliments from Mr. Agrippa. It's quite good ... anyway, as I was saying, I expect you anticipate no need for further security. However, it is my understanding that the safe delivery of the order is extremely important, if not vital, to their work with the bee problem ... and the honey trade itself, of course."

"I have contracted help from Mr. Osen to assist with my investigation. A cleric and two rather brutish fighters ... could probably scare an ogre, those two." He retrieves the leather journal from his pack and flips through a few pages, gesturing in the air with one finger as if doing mental calculations. "His services are rather costly, wouldn't you agree?"

"While travelling with the wagon we will defend ourselves against any threats, of course. However, that does not extend to protecting the wagon, unless ... I provide this service?"

Moriartus appears to conclude his mental calculations by stabbing the air with the butt of his cigar. "Perhaps in exchange you would be willing to defray part of the cost for Mr. Osen's mercenaries? Say, twenty gold? I also require provisions, so all or part in trade would be equally acceptable. What do you think, Mr. Turgan? A small price to pay for ensuring the flow of honey?"

Just in case roll: Charisma (17): [4d6]=11

[Spearmint]

Turgen's Trade Goods

"Well, well. I feel almost someone comes in to extort money from me.

You've been to 'the League of Ordinary gentlemen' then? Osen's services are rather costly I agree. A necessary evil in these times. Ultimately it is the consumer who pays. We should be glad that in times of inflation the wages of sin still stay the same.

I digress. You have a business proposition?' Turgen is a balding middle aged man dressed in fine but practical raiments. Gold rimmed spectacles on a filigree chain hang around his neck, a fine scarab brooch clasping his jerkin together. He gestures to the counter and fans some store clerks to busy themselves.

"Two decades I have lived here. Two decades of toil, endless miles of mud and oft blood soaked trails. The Silver Standard has a reputation to uphold and I do so diligently.

In the early days, the mercenaries pilfered almost as much as the bandit tribes did. Osen at least runs a tighter ship now. So you are hive bound? Don't know much about their troubles but their honey is sweet, the combs keep as foodstock over winter when supplies are short. The jelly is even exported to the citadel and infused into all sorts of ointments.

So to matters at hand. Security, sometimes less is better, you are perceived as less of a threat than totting around tooled up. Still perhaps I can justify the extra crew. Crabtree knows the lie of the land and is a man of discretion. If the cargo gets through I will cover the cost of the journey to the hive. Whatever explorations you conduct beyond that is your concern."

his offer is to cover the 3gp daily rate to the hirelings for one day, plus your self. So 12gp.