[Game Thread] Into the Black

[Causa]

The man wearing the armor turns to the Half - Orc. "The lies were necessary," he returns, "Now listen!" With this he thrusts his finger to the seat infront of the half-orc.

"You all know of the Princess Aoibheann?" he asks. "She goes down into that crypt to tend to...individuals who are kept there, for the safety of the Crown." He explains.

"She has not returned, and now there have been reports of strange activity in the graveyard."

Flindell (the wizard) turns to Nilheim, narrowing his eyes at the halfling. "You need to recognize your position here, Halfling." he answers the bow, though he turns now to face the rest of the party.

[Ethics]

"Why did you not advertise honestly?" Corstine questions, brows furrowing. The deception makes no sense to her. Wouldn't it have been better to seek out those capable of this kind of rescue as opposed to those capable of battling a Kobold.

"Surely you are equipped with guards capable of her safe return? Why us?"

[Causa]

"Because there are people within the city who would take advantage of such a situation." The man answers. "We had to select individuals who had sufficient talent, but without sufficient reputation to attract attention." He continues, "Also, this situation needs to be handled without direct Royal forces, because that would draw even more attention than a prestigious mercenary group."

[BustaHemo]

Nilheim nods his head several times before moving back towards the others. He chooses to stand just beside Corstine's wolf, to which he offers a wide, wolfish grin, and nudges with his elbow. "Think I may have pissed 'em off." He whispers cheerfully. No matter the reaction from the creature, it doesn't hold his attention long. Neither does the conversation between the others, so instead he busies himself by looking over the mess he has made, and looking almost proud of it.

 

Dice Reflex save:

1d20+7

(14)+7

Total = 21

[Ethics]

Fenris growls, turning his head and moving as though to bite. He changes his mind suddenly, with an air of "I'm far too good for you" about the action, and trots to the other side of Corstine. He's far more mature than some scraggly, falling-from-the-ceiling halfling.

[The Government]

"And for this task... what are you offering for payment?" the Half-Orc speaks curtly.

[Causa]

The mage speaks up once more, cracking his fingers and grinning broadly.

"For your aid in this matter, and for your silence regarding it's circumstances," he ticks off his fingers as he lists the rewards:

"You will be granted letters of merit from the Throne that will earn you favor in all lands of the Kingdom, you will be granted your choice of enchanted weaponry from the Elite armory, and you will each be granted a share of land outside of the city, so that you do not entangle yourselves in Royal concerns, after this incident is concluded."

[BustaHemo]

Nilheim doesn't seem at all upset over the wolf's departure, instead his attention immediately goes to the men talking to them as they discuss the reward. "Throw in an outfit made of silk, and you have purchased my services."

After speaking, he glances at the other adventurers in a considering manner before looking back to the mage. "A silk outfit for me -and- the big guy."

[The Government]

Kevdak growls, "Your offer is not acceptable -- I have no use for land here! I will not remain in this city..."

[Ethics]

Corstine listens attentively, hardly even aware of the slight scuffle between Nilheim and Fenris. She's unsure if the halfling is serious about the silk outfits. It seems like nothing he says or does is ever all that serious. The rewards are sufficient for her, but beyond that she feels far more eager to rescue a person than she did fight a Kobold.

"We accept," she says, seemingly speaking for the group and overruling both Nilheim and Kevdak. "We will be more than happy to help."

[Causa]

The mage rolls his eyes, "That is precisely why I said the land is outside of the City!" he counters to the Half-Orc. "We don't want you all here after this, that would be meddlesome considering that this entire mission is a secret. Your land will be nowhere around here."

[Causa]

The man in the breastplate nods to Corstine, "Good, Nekor can lead you down to the graveyard, and update you on the specifics." he returns. "We can also offer you a few supplies that won't be missed during the next audit. They'll be waiting for you at the Palace gate."

He rises and straightens his posture now. "Remember, this mission's secrecy is critical to the throne, tell no one of your purpose, and speak only to us." He motions to Flindell, who nods his head in agreement.

"Good luck to you all," he returns. "Nekor, please aid this group and return with the Princess."

[Causa]

At the gate, a man in a grey cloak offers a satchel to you all, which Nekor accepts, and tosses over his shoulder. He also accepts his own equipment for the mission, and the group walk down an old footpath, with the sound of the rushing river over the side of the cliff.

As you move further away from the Palace proper, torchlight fades into the background, and Nekor stops to light a torch. "We're almost there," he offers quietly.

After what feels like forever, the party comes upon an old fence, the gate torn down, and footprints are trudged in the mud, leading from the graves beyond.

[Causa]

 

[BustaHemo]

Somewhere between the castle and the graveyard, Nilheim has drawn his hand crossbow and loaded it. Bored with the silent traveling, he entertains himself by pretending to shoot at whatever catches his fancy along the way. After a few mean comments are made at his expense from one of the serving women, he avoids 'shooting' at any women.

As they approach the graveyard, he doesn't make an effort to take charge and seems quite content to remain behind his meat shields.