Jobs in Gloomhaven have been few and far between. Ever since the war ended, there have been many swords for hire and few opportunities for those seeking fame and fortune as an adventurer. You have heard that one of the city's nobles is hiring a small group to investigate the disappearance of a merchant caravan.

You have gathered in a small townhouse near then center of town. Assembling in a small sitting room, a welcoming fire warms the room, keeping the chill of night at bay. Oil lamps have been lit, dispelling the gloom, making the room feel warm and hospitable. The chairs are comfortable and wine and glasses have been set out for your enjoyment.

Little is known about your hostess expect from the fact that she is one of the cities more influential nobles. It is rumored that she can been deadly ruthless and is not one to cross lightly. However she is wealthy, influential and powerful. She would be a good contact to have when the cold months descend upon the city.

Once you have assembled in the room, Lady Rune enters and take a seat at her desk. She takes her time in pouring herself a glass of red wine before speaking, silently appraising your group as she pours. The woman wears a dark crimson dress made of velvet. Long raven-black hair cascades softly down past her shoulders. Her corset is cinched tight emphasizing voluptuous curves of her body. You would guess that she is beautiful, however a flawless mask of ivory hides her face from your inquiring gaze.

"Please." she gestures magnanimously with her wine glass. "Have a seat. Indulge and enjoy the wine. You are all here because you have heard that I am in need of individuals possessing certain skills. Tell me, why should I hire you over any of the other sellswords in Gloomhaven?" 

It had been some time since Declan had enjoyed the finer things in life. In point of fact, lately it seemed that he had done everything within his power to get as far from luxury as possible, just to spite his father. However, now that he was in a clean, warm sitting room, bereft of the typical lice and smell of cheap beer and urine that one would expect in a tavern or bordello, he had to admit part of him missed the benefits of being noble born.

But such thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of their host. As far as he had fled from his family, proper etiquette and protocol had not left him. He came to his feet instantly, and stood at attention, as was only right for a woman of such stature. She was clearly a person of means, as her wardrobe and pale skin indicated, not to mention the finery of the townhouse. He raised one of the offered wine glasses, but waited until she bade them drink before he did so. He sat down as he drank, savoring the vintage for a long while with a practiced pallet. This too was nostalgic for him, and most certainly either a show of wealth or generosity to offer such to simple mercenaries.

"My Lady, I could spin tales of my prowess in battle, my discretion, my dependability, and try to dazzle you with words alone. However, I fine such boasting to be filled with exaggeration and, frankly, often baseless self-aggrandizement. I could give you my word as a gentleman that I will complete any task that you feel fit to give, but that assurance depends on you trusting the honor of a sellsword. Ultimately, this decision will be up to you, as it is your coin we are vying for. I could tell you of my need for gold, but it is not my needs that are important here. Unless we are but the first of a series of interviews, you have invited us into this lovely home, so there must be something about us that first drew your interest. Freely admitting my bias, I encourage you to listen to that inclination. And if I may be even more frank about my biases, it is my understanding that I am...intimately acquainted with a member of the missing party. I am very motivated to see this to completion," Declan said evenly, giving her a deep bow.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:44, Mon 22 Feb 2021.

Phayde Dronwyr stands at the back of the room, arms crossed as he listens to the noblewoman's pitch. His expression is neutral despite the comely appearance of their potential employer and the luxuriousness of the locale. This is, after all, a job interview. No need to insult the potential employer. He nods politely and accepts the wine Lady Rune offers it, but does not drink yet. He wants to keep a clear head while discussing the details of their contract.

When Lady Rune asks them point blank why she should hire them, the grizzled ranger grins.

"Straight to the point," he says. "I like that. I'll try to do the same. A caravan is missing, and you want us to find it. You'll need someone to track it. I can do that. If there are bandits or other thieves responsible, you'll need them dealt with. I'm not afraid of fighting, or killing when I have to. You'll want people who follow directions. If you've got the coin, I'll happily do what you ask.

"That's all I can say," the Wood Elf finishes. "Hopefully it's enough."

The dwarf in the back of the room sat sipping the wine placed before them. Eying Lady Rune with an equally measuring gaze the dwarf waited while the first two spoke. Rising, the dwarf also answered the question.

"Aye, lady Rune, my name be Sequitur of the clan Stoneboat and I would take on your task."

Any who had noticed the dwarf would be surprised by the voice that echoed boldly thru the room, for it was a warm  contralto, rather than the deep tenor or bass usually associated with Dwarves. A sharp eye would add the slight bit of color on the Dwarf's face, and realize that despite the massive red beard, finely groomed into the shape of an owls face, that this Dwarf was a woman. A rare sight in some parts of the world.

"I have chosen to take on your task due to the wisdom of divine Athena who has broght me to this god forsaken city, and her wisdom made manifest in my presence can only be a boon to the task at hand."

She stares around the room, as if waiting for someone to gainsay her statement.

"I bring with me on this journey basic but useful miracles and magical abilities. In addition I bring my Warhammer. Most useful of all, I bring my insight and attention to details, my keen mind, if you will."

Hefting a heavy hammer over her head in a salute to Lady Rune...

"Clearly there is only wisdom to be found in choosing me to aid in this task, don't you agree?"

Roan enjoyed the wine as he let others speak first. He seemed to be taking a measure of each in turn. Finally he seems to have had enough and speaks his share. "I'm sure you could hire a hundred sell swords to track down your stuff. Some would succeed, some wouldn't. But I'm betting you want more than your stuff. You want the ones responsible. And more importantly you want them dealt with in a more permanent manor. I've no problem with that. Be glad to do it for you. But them hundred other sell swords, they may not be so willing. Some might, but I doubt it. People tend to get all squeamish when the real work needs to be done. But work is work and I'll do what needs doing."

Dorgaz sat silently at the back of the room.  Although a civilized species, minotaurs tended to stick out, especially in fine rooms like this.  And Dorgaz's long years of isolation mastering his own unique skills had done little to improve that.

He cradled the wine glass carefully, feeling out of place in this fine townhouse, and afraid to commit a faux pas.

"Skils..." the minotaur rumbled.  "Yes, I have those.  Not in finding a caravan or the men who carried the goods.  But if men need killing, I am skilled at that.

The woman's face was unreadable behind her ivory mask, however her eyes were carefully appraising each person as they spoke.

You had the distinct impression that she was only half listening to your words, but instead was silently analyzing your body language and mannerisms. Words could easily be twisted and boasts often bordered on lies. She was looking deeper, trying to appraise the people seated before her. She did not blink at the mention of killing.

Finally she nodded. "People may need to be killed, but the whereabouts of the goods is my first concern. I am willing to offer 500 gold to the five..." She stopped as if recounting. "... the six of you if you return my property."

Naela sits down with a bright smile, clearly impressed by all the very expensive-looking things around her. Her strange, golden eyes glow for a moment in appreciation, and then she blinks and the glow is gone. She reaches out to take a sip of the wine, nods in approval and downs the rest in a single gulp. Tasted expensive. Better have another cup!

She listens to the others speak, one after the other, and quirks an eyebrow. Oooh, so professional! She sits up a little straighter and when it's her turn to speak, puts out the dazzling smile of a merchant. "I can read the heavens for portents and auguries for potential dangers in our path. The multiverse holds no mysteries in mine eyes," she boasts, tapping one eyelid. Then, realizing that she wasn't selling her services to a bunch of rubes at a fair, she continues, "I can also heal and brew potions for these fine gentlemen and lady, make sure their swords hit true... And if needed, call upon the power of the earth and the heavens to incinerate the thieves you seek."

She would rather not do that last bit. Killing was such a messy business.

(OOC: Late by a minute! Assume what she said happened before their new boss spoke)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Mon 22 Feb 2021.

Having returned to her seat, Sequitur placed her back to a wall and sipped at the wine, though she wished it were good honest ale.

Surveying the others, she had no doubt her ability to judge the merits of others was not up toi the fine Ladies standards, she did want a sense of whom she could trust, if her life depended on them, and it seemed that it would.

The nameless Minotaur seemed the most unusual of her potential traveling companions, and she had had no experience with their kind. Still, he seemed more trustworthy than the nameless, what? Fortune teller?

The nameless blood-thirty bounty hunter seemed full of bravado, that could be good or bad, come real trouble.

She wasn't certain, but she thought the nameless ranger might be an elf? Maybe? Luckily she didn't hold to the distaste for their kind so common among her people. She had met a scant few at sea, but they seemed a good lot, by and large.

That left the first to speak, but this nameless soul seemed to one needing the most consideration. His bearing seemed military in nature, and his personal reason for pursing this task seemed oddly fortuitous. If any one of these were a plant by the bandits, it seemed likely to be him. If, though, a big if.

She nibbled on some grapes, and a bit of cheese, and focuses on their potential employer. As she spoke, Sequitur considered asking for an increase in the pay, an even 100 each would have been nice, but she didn't want to push, either.

"Aye, question then, if you opt to hire us. Do we get to keep any items and goods we find that aren't part of your consignment?"

Roan considered each of the others. He wasn't sure the lengths hey would go to to earn the coin. But if it made life easier for him, he'd be happy to have them between him and a blade. "Also since there are six of us how about making it an even split for us. 600 for the job, and whatever isn't yours we get to keep." It was a bit of a risk to push for more money, but it also showed he wasn't just going to be bought for any price she deemed to offer. All in all it was a fine line to walk and had on occasion landed him back on the streets.

Hiding her smile behind the rim of her cup, Sequitur was pleased that the mercenary had asked for more money. One, it was a question she wished she had had the courage to ask, and two, you always knew exactly how far you could trust a person who there just for the money.

Composing her features, she swallowed another gulp of wine and watched Lady Rune to see how she responded to their two questions.

Behind her ivory mask, Lady Rune's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she considered the counteroffer. "Five hundred for the group, or one hundred per person that returns my goods to me. Your choice." You get the impression she was smiling slightly. "As far as any items that are not part of my cargo, if I am not aware of them, then I will not miss them. Correct?"

OOC: Persuasion checks can be made if you wish to negotiate.

She unrolled a parchment onto her desk and began writing down the terms of the agreement. After placing her seal upon the document, she slid it across the desk towards you. "If all is in order, place your mark on the contract and I will tell you the details of the caravan so you can begin your investigation."

Naela coughed into her wine glass at Roan's bold request for more coin, and made sure to hide her smile behind her cup. Rather bold of him. Then she placed the cup down and cleared her throat.

"One hundred a person sounds good to me," she said to Lady Rune, glancing at the rest of the mercenaries. This sort of work didn't always attract the most honest, and "accidents" sometimes happen when greedy mercenaries want less people to divvy up the rewards. Six were going, and six would be returning. That's how she saw it.

Well aware that one hundred per person might mean less money, if fewer than five of them return, Sequitur feels the offer is a fair one none the less.

She wonders at the ivory mask. was she perhaps disfigured? Or was it simply for anonymity's sake?

It really didn't matter.

Gathering her things, she gets in line and signs without qualms.

"Can we get a list of the missing items, so we will know them when we find them?"

She intentionally used the term when and not if to sound more confident than she really was. Never hurts to sound like you expect to succeed.

"It seems that more than one in this venture believe six hundred divided six ways to be a fair and even number. In the world of business, it is usually wise to listen to the wants and needs of the workforce. However, you are the employer, and I will sign this contract regardless of your decision," Declan shrugged casually.

The young nobleman finished his glass of wine with a flourish, and then carefully set down the crystal. He walked over to the desk and signed his name with a graceful and practiced hand.

"Declan Farlas, son of Gustav Farlas, Baron of Nasitra, at your service, Lady Rune," the swordsman said smartly, clicking his heels together and standing at attention like he was on a military parade ground.

OOC: 15:37, Today: Declan Farlas rolled 21 using 1d20+2.  Persuasion.

Phayde nods, and scrawls his seal on the document. With negotiations seemingly at an end, he finally takes a sip of wine.

Once everyone signs, Lady Rune rolls up the contract and places it carefully behind her. Those that took the time to read the contract saw that upon completion of the assignment, those undertaking the mission would be in consideration for future assignments. There was also a note about penalties if the individuals did not return the cargo and either kept it or sold it for themselves. Let is just be said that one did not cross Lady Rune lightly.

The lady leaned forward slightly to give you more details of the mission. People are searching for the caravan in the wrong place. Since the attack happened in the woods outside of town, hunters have been scouring the woods. However several of the items that were on the caravan have already been offered for sale in the town market. The cargo has already reached town. The thieves, as well as my property, now lies somewhere within the city walls."

She provided you with a list of the merchants that claim to have seen her belongings as well as an itemized list of the items that were stolen. Most items were not noteworthy (artwork, books, some jewelry, etc), but there were a few items that were a bit more vague in their description (Locked iron box, carved wooden puzzle box, etc).

Using your researches and questioning the merchants, led your investigation to an old warehouse on the outskirts of town. It was across the road from the Seven Winds Trading Company. The warehouse was well guarded and looked perfectly ordinary by day.

(OOC: I jumped ahead through the investigation to get you to the meat of the adventure. You can take the time to interact with each other and get to know your companions, as well as make plans on how you wish to approach the warehouse.)

Dorgaz signed his name to the contract.  He chuckled lightly to himself, as though a piece of paper could enforce his honor.  People, society, these things test your honor. But Dorgaz knew enough to play by the human's rules.

Once they were all signed on to this retrieval contract, and shaken down a proper lead as to the location of the goods being sought, Declan decided that their was enough time now to become properly acquainted with the people that might potentially be watching his back should this hunt come to bloodshed. The walk to the old warehouse would take some time, after all.

"Well...allow me to take the liberty of breaking the ice. As you all heard when we signed on to this venture for Lady Rune, my name is Declan Farlas, son of Gustav Farlas, Baron of Nasitra. And while I caught your name, Lady Stoneboat, I think it only right that we all introduce ourselves. If only for convenience in tense situations. 'Oi, Minotaur!' seems such a crass way of communicating. Shall we get introductions underway...?" Declan asked, turning to look as his new compatriots.

"Hm. It might also behoove us to also reveal the extent of our skills and abilities to each other. In a combat situation, it is wise to know what the person watching your back is capable of. It would also make us a more cohesive fighting force, if we have a rough idea of our competence level and duty expectations. For example, I know Lady Stoneboat has access to the favor of her gods, and a strong hammer to back up that faith. And this young woman is an oracle of some kind, who sees that paths that fate might take. For my part, I am a simple fighting man. Top of my class in swordplay, if I might brag just a bit," he continued, indicating the unique sheathe at his left hip that held two parallel Messers.

"Please, share only what you are comfortable sharing. But I think my suggestions are sensible, no?" the young nobleman asked, cocking an inquiring eyebrow.

Dorgaz nods.  "Indeed, that would be useful would we to find ourselves tested.  My name is Dorgaz.   I am what is known among my people as a kolgi bishagi.  In the common tongue, that roughly translates as shadow blade.  Though intense study, I have learned to summon the very material of the Plane of Shadows and wield as a weapon.  Or use it to enhance my own. The minotaur tips his heads, his horns glinting.

"Such powers also give me limited access to arcane magic, though not nearly as much as a wizard might have.  I can channel a powerful attack, minor illusions, shield myself, and enhance my own attacks.  This intense study has left me...limited in other aspects.  Hopefully, one of you might be better at tracking down the lost goods.  But if we are challenged in combat, I should prove an able companion."

OOC: In game terms, Dorgaz is a Hexblade.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Thu 25 Feb 2021.

Roan read the contract over very carefully. It looked as though he had signed one or two before and was one to be careful of them. Once he was satisfied as to the content of it, did he sign it.


Roan rolls his eyes a bit at the pomp of Declan, but proceeds to interduce his self. "Names Roan. I've a bit of magic, not much but enough to stand in a fight. I prefer to be back line, though I've some skill with weapons." He indicates the mace and couple of daggers he has on his belt. What strikes you as odd is that he wears plain clothes and no armor. Making him look less suited to the front lines. "Aside from that I have some of the more back ally skills. I can get around with little notice and into places most don't want. Granted I'm no professional, so my skills may not be up to par with someone who makes a full time living of it."

"Sequitur, of the clan Stoneboat, at your service. I can sail a ship and I swing a mean hammer, but the of me is my devotion to the goddess of Wisdom, Athena."

She smiles and arches her back in such a way as to display the Owl's face woven in to her beard, in such a way as to imply that this symbol is important to her.

"In return for my devotion I have a scant handful of diving abilities, as it is wise to dole out abilities the young in keeping with their experience and abilities. I can heal minor injuries, but more serious ones are sadly beyond my abilities at this point."

Naela  wrote a name with a flourish on the contract, without really reading it. Just words on paper. She turned to the group and gave a small bow. "Naela of the Tel'Wyn Guild of Herbalists and Soothsayers," she said.

She smiled at Declan and shook her head. "Oh, I'm no Orcale! I've a small gift of foresight, and magic at my disposal. Like Sequitur, I can heal your wounds, and move the heavens and earth to make your foes that much easier to strike down. Grasping vines, fire to burn them, thunder to toss them about... That sort of thing," she said with a cheerful shrug, as if these were nice little parlor tricks to know. "I am also keen of eye, can spot a lie and... Damn, I can't rhyme that with charm... I can be persuasive when need."

"Phayde Dronwyr," the Elf blurts when the others ask for introductions. "I hunt prey for pay or survival." He finishes with a shrug, as though unsure of what else to add. However, the gesture emphasizes the presence of the bow slung across his shoulder and the short swords at his side.

OOC:

Phayde is a low Charisma character, and I usually play them as unremarkable or socially anxious.

"...pay less when you decide to buy?  Convince someone to surrender instead of die?"

The huge minotaur chuckled quietly.  "Sorry, Naela, I've had a lot of time to myself and reading poetry, along with formulating my own clumsy attempts at verse has become a hobby."

Smiling at the dueling bards, Sequitur suspects this is a good beginning to their task.

Naela laughed, enjoying Dorgaz's way with rhymes. Surprising coming from a hulking minotaur, but then again, this was the first minotaur she's ever met. "Hey. That's not bad. You should quit the mercenary business, become a bard," she said, giving him a pat on the arm. She looked around the group with bright eyes, feeling a little more hopeful about this job now that everyone's been introduced. She didn't want to be the leader, but there needed to be a nudge to get this job underway.

"Now that we have some idea of what everyone can do. That's a start... Now the stolen goods are in a warehouse. Guarded. Is anyone confident enough to be able to talk or sneak their way in, or are we going through the front door with blades and magic?"

"I might be able to sneak in," Phayde replies. "I'm comfortable moving unnoticed in the wild, but those skills translate to the city as well. However, I'd rather not try if the rest of our number is unable to move out of sight quietly."

"Alas, I am a man of fighting skill, grace, intelligence, beauty, charisma, matchless oration, carnal arts...wait, what were we talking about? Oh yes. I have many fine virtues, but moving unseen and unheard in the shadows is not among the skills that I possess. And I do not think it too presumptuous of me to deduce just from appearances that I am not the only in our company to lack that ability. However, if we wish to make the ideal moves in this endeavor, I do not think it would unwise if you were to utilize your skillset without the rest of us making a ruckus at your side, Master Dronwyr. In war, the scouts shape the battlefield before the first soldier sets foot upon it, after all. Seeing what you can see with your Elf eyes would be most beneficial, at least in my humble opinion..." Declan offered, looking to the others for their thoughts on the suggestion.

The minotaur rumbles his assent.  "I agree.  It would be beneficial to have some idea what we are heading into.  Perhaps you could scout, and the rest of us stay nearby.  At the first sign of trouble. you need but shout and we could assist."

"I have the skills as well to move within the shadows. Though I would think out best bet would be to procure one of those outfits with the mask and question the one we acquire it from. I imagine that whoever is attending has the means and funding to buy what's being offered. To that end I would recommend Declan to go in."He seems to hesitate for a moment before adding. "I have a means of accompany him unseen for a couple hours, so he wouldn't be without backup should things go astray." Roan plays with a ruby ring as he adds this last part. The ring its self looks too expensive for a man of his means, and its a wonder that he hasn't sold it for coin given the value that it would probably go for.

Her place in things being pretty obvious, with hammer and tong, as it were, Sequitur lets the others plan, knowing that when her part comes, it will require little to no subtlety.

"I can scout alone or wait to let others attempt to lie their way in," Phayde says with a shrug. "It doesn't matter to me so long as we get the job done. I've a reputation to keep."

In moments like this, it was good to summarize the plan and get the wheels moving. "So we dress Declan up as one of the masked visitors, he goes in to see what's what. Phayde scouts the area, and Roan can use... magic to slip in unseen as well. That leaves Sequitur, Dorgaz and I to stand by and be ready to bust heads if things go wrong," she said and daintily punched her small fist into her open hand. "Sounds like a plan?"

"Sounds good to me," the Dwarven cleric responded.