The Treasure of the Tierra Padre... [Knight Otu Judging]

[Pbartender]

Rupert leads the way to the Red Dargon's back room, where you find a table bedecked with food and drink. He sits down and helps himself to a squab and a flagon of wine, and then he gets down to business...

"Recently, I ran across an old map," Rupert elucidates. "It was tucked away amongst the pages of an inconsequential manuscript. The directions on the map lead to a location not far from Orussus, with the implication that an abandoned dragon's horde is hidden there."

"Now, while I have no need for additional wealth, I am very fond of collecting exotic antiquities. And a dragon's horde is bound to have some ancient artifacts to interest me."

"I, of course, am not the sort of adventuring man of action to go tromping through barren wastelands, fighting off savage natives and grubbing the rubble of some decrepit ruins. That is why I need you."

"If you agree, I will show you my copy of the map, and give you the remaining details of the directions to find the cache. All treasure found will be turned over to me for examination and inclusion into my private collection. A fair prize bounty, to be assessed by an agreed upon and accredited appraisor, will be paid for each item retrieved, to be split amongst you as you see fit."

[msd]

Originally Posted by Pbartender

Rupert leads the way to the Red Dargon's back room, where you find a table bedecked with food and drink. He sits down and helps himself to a squab and a flagon of wine, and then he gets down to business...

Eruin cautiously eyes the man but upon momentary reflection and consideration of the alternative of staying yet another day at the inn, decides to follow the stranger into the back room...

The adventurer is noticably uncomfortable amidst the splendor of the setting. Not knowing where, or even whether to sit in front of a potential employer, Eruin continues to wring his leather gloves in his hands.

"Ahhh, Mr. Rupert, sir, I would...I mean if it were possible...I would have a moment to examine that map. That is, I would be agreeable to your proposal."

Not knowing whether he has said the wrong thing or whether he has offended his host, the pause following his words seems interminable. Unable to withstand the tension of the silence, Eruin adds

"It is true that I am but a young man, but I have sepnt much of my youth in and around the wilds of Orussus. I would appreciate a chance to prove my worth...sir."

Eruin bows his head, his self-doubt clouding his throughts...




<OOC>

I hope it wasn't inappropriate for me to follow Rupert into this back room without a prior invitation. The Red Dragon thread didn't seem to indicate whether specific people had been chosen...

You'll pardon my ignorance. I'm very new to D&D and completely new to PbP.

I apologize in advance,
Matt

</OOC>

[Venus]

With Rupert leading the way, Rogier follows him to the back room. Seeing the table all filled with food and drinks, he regrets just eating his lunch.
"This Dragon-hoard, how sure are you that it is actually abandoned?" Rogier asks after listening to the story.

Also seeing the Ranger stumbling with his words, Rogier tries to aid the fellow. "Eruin, I believe?" he says a bit questioning, as he isn't sure if he got the name straight, "I'm not sure if I'm much older than you, and I wouldn't be surprised if your skills of the wild would be very useful while searching for a dragons hoard. I don't know much about Dragons, but I can imagine them hiding their treasure instead of laying it out in the open."

He turns back to Rupert, and says: Sir, you can count me in.

[Knight Otu]

[judge]I'll volunteer to watch this adventure as the official judge, if you don't mind.[/judge]

[Pbartender]

Originally Posted by Knight Otu

[judge]I'll volunteer to watch this adventure as the official judge, if you don't mind.[/judge]

OOC: Thanks, KO.

"Excellent!" Rupert exclaims, "Welcome aboard, then, as it may be. Now, you'll forgive the manners of an old rich man with too many lawyers..." He unrolls a handful of parchment sheets, and hands one each to Eruin and Rogier.

"These are your contracts and commisions outlining the nature of the expedition, the responsibilities of everyone involved and the means of payment. If you would be so kind as to sign your names at the bottom of the page, and provide either a small lock of hair or a few drops of blood, then we can proceed."

The contracts state, in much more elaborate language, everything Rupert has already mentioned about this secret treasure hunt... All treasure is to be returned to Rupert, and the adventurers will be reimbursed with a prize bounty for the items recovered.

Originally Posted by Venus

"This Dragon-hoard, how sure are you that it is actually abandoned?" Rogier asks after listening to the story.

"This is Orussus, the City of Adventurers!" Rupert says, as if the answer is quite obvious. "Aside form this fine Inn's name-sake, there hasn't been a dragon sighted within three hundred miles of Orussus for centuries. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that horde once belonged to the Red Dragon herself."

[El Jefe]

Oirhandir is bemused by the fact that a fine meal is provided for him, just after he has finished his own. He nibbles at some of the more interesting bits, but has no room for any more than a bite.

This Rupert Vaneelkelen...ahh, the name comes to mind now. "The Patron of Explorers", or something like that. Tales of many fortunes made, and a few lost. The elf marvels that he has actually met a human that is mentioned in some of the wilder tales that he's heard. Meeting a famous elf is one thing, but a human...there are so many of them, and they live such short lives that they are gone before you get a chance to meet them!

The man's offer is both unsettling and intriguing. This Rogier has a good point...what if the treasure isn't truly abandoned? Oirhandir would like to meet a real dragon some day, but from a distance...and certainly not while being caught red-handed looting its hoard!

But an unguarded dragon's treasure...it just doesn't get any better than that, does it? Perhaps this is too good to be true. Oirhandir wonders aloud, "...But if someone knew where an abandoned dragon hoard lie, why would he make a map of the place, and then leave the map? Why wouldn't he just go retrieve the treasure himself?"

Oirhandir's eartips turn red at the awkward silence that follows. Just as Rupert begins to answer, the elf blurts out, "Ah, of course, that person's folly is our good fortune. Count me in as well!"

ooc - Free internet service at the hotel! Won't do me a bit of good tomorrow, but for now...

[Pbartender]

Another copy of the contract floats its way across the table to land gently in front of Oirhandir.

[El Jefe]

Originally Posted by Pbartender

Another copy of the contract floats its way across the table to land gently in front of Oirhandir.

Oirhandir carefully reads the document, trying to think of a way it could be used to cheat him out of at least some gold if he succeeds in retrieving the treasure. Although he re-reads it twice, he finds none. He takes a nervous breath, and realizes that he has nothing to write with.

He looks up at Rupert. "Good sir", he says, "I fear I have no pen to write with."

As soon as an implement is produced, Oirhandir signs his name with a flourish, and places a few strands of his hair on the document.

[DM-Rocco]

Calamar the Dark enters the back room and slowly, with staggered steps and a woosey look about him, makes his way to Rupert's table.


"Forgive the intrusion, I heard that adventure awaited those back here."

OOC, tired of me yet, if so I can find another?

[Pbartender]

Originally Posted by DM-Rocco

Calamar the Dark enters the back room and slowly, with staggered steps and a woosey look about him, makes his way to Rupert's table.

"Forgive the intrusion, I heard that adventure awaited those back here."

Another bit of parchment containing the commissioning contract settles into Calamar's hands as soon as he steps in the door, "Indeed it does, but only if you sign that, and provide a small lock of hair or a few drops of blood, thank you."

"And please, help yourself to supper. You look like you could use a good meal."

[msd]

Originally Posted by Pbartender

"Excellent!" Rupert exclaims, "Welcome aboard, then, as it may be. Now, you'll forgive the manners of an old rich man with too many lawyers..." He unrolls a handful of parchment sheets, and hands one each to Eruin and Rogier.

Eruin slowly extends his hand toward Rupert to take the parchment. As he begins to peruse the terms, he turns his body away from the others. Tracing the individual words with his index finger, his mind slowly drifts into another realm as he ponders a multitude of questions: "Who is this strange gentleman patron and what is it that he really seeks? Why is he so eager to secure our word and bond before proceeding any further...?"

Though not completely comfortable, Eruin is even more put off by the thought of yet another night spent at the Inn. While Joe's hospitality has been nothing short of capital, the place for a ranger lies far beyond the comfort of the Red Dragon Inn.

Eruin swiftly turns his body to once again face his fellow comrades-in-arms and their patron. He winces as he tugs a few strands of hair from his unkempt locks.

Turning to Oirhandir, he says: "Your pen...if you are done, might I have it for a moment?"

Taking the pen, he quickly signs his name and returns the pen to Oirhandir and the contract to Rupert.





<OOC>

Oh, please, please, please let this be a good omen...our first year law-school grades go online in about an hour and contracts is the most heavily weighted course...

</OOC>

[Venus]

Originally Posted by Pbartender

"Excellent!" Rupert exclaims, "Welcome aboard, then, as it may be. Now, you'll forgive the manners of an old rich man with too many lawyers..." He unrolls a handful of parchment sheets, and hands one each to Eruin and Rogier.

Rogier takes the pen and signs the contract. "There, ready to get some treasure. When do we leave." he asks, happy that he has something to do once more.

[Pbartender]

Originally Posted by Venus

Rogier takes the pen and signs the contract. "There, ready to get some treasure. When do we leave." he asks, happy that he has something to do once more.

"Don't forget the hair, please," Rupert urges, "or the blood, if you prefer. It's most important."

[Venus]

"If you don't mind, before I add that, I need to go a standard procedure. Just to rule certain things out, I hope you forgive my rudeness in this matter, yet it must be done."
Rogier casts Detect Evil and checks everyone in the party.


[OoC: All are good aligned, except possibly Rupert. Also, Rogier will Sense Motive on Rupert to find out if he's hiding anything, as he has the feeling this contract might have a catch.]

[Kahuna Burger]

(hey PB, think you'll have room for one more if I can get Katherine the bard/ranger past any formalities in the Inn fast enough?)

KB

[Pbartender]

"Oh no, go ahead and help yourself. I understand completely," Rupert assures the paladin, "One can never be too certain when dealing with such a risk laden business venture, can they?"

Rogier scans the room for any bad vibrations, but can sense nothing within the room. This rich inheritor may not be entirely good, but he's certainly not evil.

Sense Motive Roll: 16 +4 = 20.

Rupert seems entirely open and honest, though he is definitely holding back information, until everyone signs the contract. Obviously, he is worried about some other tomb-robbers getting to whatever might be left of the treasure before he does.

The contract seems pretty straight forward. The language is exceedingly clear and concise, and is worded in a manner similar to the pirate hunting Letters of Marque many Kings issue. It's main purpose seems to be to eliminate any quibbling over the amount of payment due to the signees, and clearly delineates the goals of the expedition. It guarantees payment to the signee for items delivered, and threatens legal action should the signees break the contract.

Originally Posted by Kahuna Burger

(hey PB, think you'll have room for one more if I can get Katherine the bard/ranger past any formalities in the Inn fast enough?)

OOC: Absolutely. Assume that Joe passes the hook along to anyone who is interested.

[Venus]

"Alright then, with a piece of my hair I seal this contract."
Rogier cuts off a straw of his hair, and puts it down with the signed contract.
"Now lets hope there is indeed no Dragon around." He grins as he grabs something to drink from the table.

[Knight Otu]

[judge]DMRocco, could you please e-mail Nimisgod at the address given in the character thread?[/judge]

[DM-Rocco]

Calamar the Dark reviews the contract, his is a bit leary to sign anything, understanding that ways of magic and quest spells. He contimplates his action over food.

OOC
Knight Otu[judge]DMRocco, could you please e-mail Nimisgod at the address given in the character thread?[/judge]



Um, sure, I e-mailed him before, a couple of weeks ago, but I can again if you like.

[Kahuna Burger]

The door from the main inn opens and a woman enters. Her delicate features and pointed ears proclaim an elvish heritige, but her hair is black and her eyes darker than most humans. She is dressed in sensible traveling clothes and wears only two ornaments - a small carved talisman of an oaktree, and a heavy signet ring, which a sharp observer may notice is made of oddly base metals, rather than gold. A light crossbow is slung over her shoulder, and a coiled whip hangs from her belt. Glancing around, she says politely, "Joe said there was a gathering of treasure hunters in here, and I was wondering if you had room for one more. My name is Katherine DeSylvia, and I find things."

(ooc: assuming she get the same basic spiel the other's have, I'll give you some checks now to get things out of the way. Bardic Knowlege +3 (the gentleman offering us the deal) either the same or Knowlege History +6 (the last dragon sighting in this area and whether any were killed without their hordes being looted), Sense motive +6 (+8 against humans, especially when she asks the employer straight out if this contract is meant to have a magical as well as legal purpose) and a detect magic on the contract itself. Sorry to throw all that out, but I don't want to slow everyone down on actually starting the adventure by exchanging multiple posts on it.)