[Game Thread] Things are not always as they seem

[Furious5k]

Making yourself look stronger, smarter, more eloquent - all things people liked to do in front of others; limiting the level of language competency one displays is...uncommon. Only time he could remember seeing this done was to fit in with a social class. Was Dorluchs trying to appear dumber to his brethren, or hide his understanding of the common tongue from them? Perhaps, one or both of those traits would be viewed unfavourably by his kin? There were more important things now, yet it was an interesting thought.

Elenaril took the chart in both hands, unwound the rolled up paper and held it across his chest for the half-orc to see; then pointed at a few of the circled locations on the map. "The exact location is not shown, but we would have to look for these landmarks. Once we find it, I will enter the temple to examine it. You would then stay anchored until I come back, 3 days at most. If you find that is not possible in the location, I would expect you to return every low tide and stay until the tide rises above the entrance."

Elenaril paused, letting the humanoid consider his words and name his price, which was likely to be higher than it should. The elf was prepared to both refuse extortion and to pay more than he should to ensure reliability. It would not do to become stranded at the temple and have to wade all the way back to town on foot, potentially some of the journey under water.

[roaddog41]

The big orc looked at the charts, a quick glance at first that turned into a long investigation. ”Difficult waters… many shallow houses rip bottoms from boats. Tricky currents… You pay three days now, you die we still get paid for waiting. Three gold piece a day. You pay all before set foot on boat.” He crossed his arms as he stated his price, apparently ignoring the fact that Elenaril ignored his question as to the elf’s purpose.

[Furious5k]

The half-orc was both clear about the assesment of the journey and blunt in his demands. His race were certainly known for their brevity, yet Elenaril could not help but think that this should be written down to Dorluchs being a captain who knew his trade, crew and types of passengers very well.

"If I pay you now in full, you might find the wait too daunting and leave early." Elenaril rolled up the chart and transferred it to the hand where he already held its mate. "I will give you six gold pieces now and another gold piece for each day that I have been away when I return."

In all honesty, the elf expected Dorluchs to keep his word and do his job well. However, it was not as if he had never been wrong about a person's intentions before. Some people did not hold themselves to honest living and it was often these people that knew all to well how to appear the opposite.