DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 3a - The Way to Yartar

DM

"Let me know in the morning if you want me as a guide," Zindra offered before she got up to leave.

After Zindra stepped through the door to leave the tavern, Darathra stood too and offered her advice. "I trust her and she may be of help, but the decision is yours."

She then, too, got up and left.

At some point everyone else in the group got up and left for the Northshield House, Urgala's Inn. The campgrounds were now packed and there was some tension due to the crowding. Another caravan had come into town, as expected, but the caravan you would be leaving with was still here. With the north campgrounds still a mess, with the smell of death hanging in the air, three caravans were squeezing into a space meant for one. The new arrivals could barely set up camp on the fringes of the campgrounds and had cause to be angry about the prime locations being taken. The guards under the direction of Urlam Stockpool, kept the peace. Their reputation alone was intimidating but it was their hands on the hilts of their swords and the I dare you looks that really maintained some semblance of order.

As the team arrived at the Northshield House the scene was similar. There were no rooms to be had and a crowd of angry folks were gathered in the common room, all calling out for accommodations. Urgala's three mastiffs stood in front of her barking at merchants that were barking at Urgala.

Eventually you make it to your rooms and in the morning gather for breakfast to make final plans. You will be traveling towards Yartar, escorting a caravan of two dozen wagons there. A dozen of Urlam's guards will be going with you.

<Bern>

He was relieved when all the 'meetings' were done. He was even more relieved when he made it to his room and was able get dome sleep. In the morning he was relieved when they were ready and headed out of town.

Sindar

He watched and listened making little comment after all he was new to the group as well.

He watched the people jostle about and be generally unhappy at the current situation. Yet he had a room and he was able to sleep, which was important. In the morning he rose early, and cleared out of his room so that they could turn it over as quickly as possible. He traveled light and since they were leaving he wanted to be ready to get on the road as soon as the caravan was able.

Davroar

The over-crowding in the town is starting to get on his nerves, and wakes up in the morning with a stuffy feeling in his head. Hoping that some fresh open air away will clear up his head, he will hurry up in packing, and meet with everyone at breakfast.
There was still the decision to make to hire Zindra or not. It seemed that some were agreeable, and others undecided.

Kriv

At breakfast, the noble was swift to bring the matter to a head.

"We have the wherewithal to hire the guide without problem. Her credentials and recommendations are in order. So, 'Aye' if you think we should make the outlay, 'Nay' if you think we shouldn't, and abstain if you remain undecided. Let's see if we have a quorum."

Jaliera

"I am probably more an 'aye' than a 'nay' but 10 gold a day for an indeterminate time is probably too much for me."

She is being honest.

Zhu

"Well, if the fee is not an issue", she glances between Kriv and Jaliera as it seems there is some disagreement about that point, "then I would vote in favor. Having a reliable guide traveling along with us can only be of help."

Sindar

"I don't have any say as I haven't been with the group very long. I also have limited gold available. Though I am reasonably self reliant and don't need coin to get food or often a room. That being said I think a guide would be a good idea. I would suggest that we make a counter offer and haggle."

<Bern>

"As part of our group, you have as much of a say as any of us", he said seriously. "Whether we pay any attention to what you have to say ... well ... we are ... 'flexible' ... on that part", he added with a big grin. "For what it is worth, we usually have gotten =much= more 'reward' from our 'missions' that the 'fee' offered ... if there was one", he finished with a shrug.

Davroar

"I vote, yes."

Split among the five of them it would be two gold piece each a day. He has to count on his fingers to be sure, but he also figures that the jeweled silver goblet that was part of his share of treasure in their adventures is just collecting dust in his backpack. He pulls it out, keeping low in his lap and asks Jaliera, "I've been carrying this around since last year. What if we talk her down to half, and offer this once we reach Silverymoon?" He shrugs his shoulders at the idea as he does not really know its true value, but it does look expensive to him.

[ooc: Jeweled Silver goblet valued by GM at 60GP)

Arus

He's busy with the caravan for the most part but makes time for the important party meeting.

Arus listens to Kriv and the others, and voices his own opinion.

"I say aye to hiring Miss Winterbow as guide for our journey to Yartar.

"And if she proves her worth, we can extend her contact then."

DM

As the discussion about what to do about Zindra, in she walks. First she stops by the front desk, where Urgala was organizing papers and room keys. At Urgala's feet were the three mastiffs who, when they noticed her, attacked Zindra, climbing on her, slobbing over her face with doggy kissed. They seemed to be her best friends. She reached into a pouch at her side and found treats that appeared to be more than acceptable to her canine pals. When the dogs turned their attention to the chewy snacks, Urgala got up from her seat and came around to first grasp the half elf scout's forearm in hers, but Zindra quickly drew Urgala in to a warm hug. The pair chatted for a few moments, Zindra turning away from Urgala only for a moment here and there to greet staffers that were passing by. She was wearing traveling gear, leather leggings and leather armor, a shortbow and quiver slung over her left shoulder and a longsword sheathed at her right hip. Her half elven heritage was revealed when she lilted her head and her shoulder length straight raven black hair swung away from her face.

Urgala pointed at your table and Zindra tossed three more treats to the puppies and made her way over to your table.

"Good morning to you all!" she said, standing there.

<Bern>

He watched 'the entrance'. It was clear that Zindra was well known and well liked. That was promising.

He smiled and stood when she approached, nodding in return to her greeting.

Sindar

"And a good morning to you," the other half elf offers.

Zhu

She glances up from her light breakfast, nodding approvingly at Zindar's gear and how she was received by Urgala.

"Greetings." She says simply.

Kriv

The noble bade her greeting in courtly style, perhaps incongruous on the hulking Dragonborn.

“Good morning. We were just discussing the potential procurement and retention of your services in your professional capacity. The general consensus appears to be positively inclined, though there are some misgivings about a potentially open-ended arrangement. I invite those who raised concerns to voice them that we may seek to swiftly resolve matters in everyone’s favour.”

Jaliera

Now she feels conspicuous and not a little embarrassed. But she had spoken true and hopefully it would be taken in the same way.

"I expressed a reservation that 10 gp a day for an undetermined period was a lot of money. And wondered if there is any room for negotiation?"

Zindra


She looked directly at Jaliera's when she asked about bargaining. "I would, but I am mindful not to undercut Urlam, and what he would charge for such services. He's sensitive about such things and I need no quarrel with him."

Then she looked at each other person around the table and sighed. "I understand you are headed at least to Yartar and possibly all the way to Silverymoon. I must charge you 10 gold per day up to there so that is 20 gold. We can establish a fixed fee for the trip from Yartar to Silverymoon. That can take close to two tendays. We can estimate it taking a single tenday. Does that make some sense?"

Jaliera

"That sounds more promising."

She smiles at Zindra but does not accept because this is not her decision alone.

<Bern>

He didn't have a strong opinion either way, so waited to hear what the others might have to say that would help him decide. He scanned the faces to see if that offered any indication.

Zhu

She'd already indicated she was fine with the rate, at least to Yartar, so she just glances arond the group for their opinions.

Arus

"To Yartar first, with an option to extend to Silverymoon. As far as I'm concerned thou hath thyself a deal, Miss Winterbow."

The triton offers his usual lopsided grin along with any coin needed to make up his share.

Sindar

"That seems wise. It gives all of us a chance to evaluate the others. I agree to the bargain." He will supply his portion for 2 days worth.

Kriv

"A reasonable contract that respects the value of the service, with a break point should that prove necessary. I consent to this arrangement. Would you prefer it in writing?" Enquired the noble.