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Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)
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<blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 3568559" data-attributes="member: 3285"><p><strong>Grains of Sand - Part 1: Setting the Trap</strong></p><p></p><p>At last, a servant escorted Quintus to a small meeting room off the atrium, where he was provided with flavorful wine and fresh, delicious apples. The legionnaire seated himself on one of the many pillows scattered throughout the room. </p><p></p><p>After a few moments, a pale, blond-haired val of perhaps fifty years limped into the room. He seemed healthy enough, but one foot was bent at an odd angle as he walked.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t get up,” he said as he slowly lowered himself onto one of the pillows. “I am Gratian val’Holryn.” He poured a small glass of wine for himself, looking Quintus over as he did so. “I’m not certain how much you know about the situation here.”</p><p></p><p>“I know that several caravans of grain and other foodstuffs, bound for Abessios, have been attacked and their cargos stolen,” said Quintus. “But not much more than that.”</p><p></p><p>“Over the past two weeks, three grains caravans were robbed on the road east of Manteii, on the edge of the Forsaken Wastes. Apparently, a group of hobgoblins—or possibly orcs, the survivors aren’t entirely sure—ambushed the caravans and demanded the wagons and their cargo as tribute.”</p><p></p><p>“That cannot be allowed to continue,” said Quintus. “You were wise to contact me.”</p><p></p><p>“That is not the only reason I contacted you,” said Gratian. “You have a reputation for…circumventing government bureaucracy. You’ve finished tasks that entire legions took months to complete.”</p><p></p><p>Quintus’ brow furrowed. “Go on.”</p><p></p><p>“Legionnaires from governor val’Dellenov in Panari are on their way. But in the meantime, I need someone who can find out where the wagons and grain are being taken. The legionnaires can handle the problem at its source once they arrive.”</p><p></p><p>“I find it hard to believe hobgoblins could take on a well-armed caravan,” said Quintus.</p><p></p><p>“The first caravan was very lightly guarded, since the road was historically very safe. The hobgoblins had archers up on ridges to either side of the caravan, plus a few individuals on foot in front of the lead wagons. The workers were outnumbered and surprised, so they surrendered their cargo without a fight, and thankfully no one was injured.”</p><p></p><p>“And the second caravan?”</p><p></p><p>“As the caravan members were walking back to Manteii, they encountered my caravan and warned them about the attack. They didn’t return for more guards, since my caravan master though the hobgoblins wouldn’t mount a second attack so soon.” Graitan’s faced twisted into a grimace. “He paid for his error with his life. He tried to make a break for it in the lead wagon, and was shot full of arrows for his trouble. The rest of the caravan surrendered in short order. That brings me to another reason why you were recommended for this mission.”</p><p></p><p>“Recommended?” asked Quintus.</p><p></p><p>Gratian ordered his servants out of the room. As the door closed, his face grew serious. “I have ties to a certain organization, one which I believe you support as well.” He folded back a part of his toga to reveal a small pin in the shape of a hawk perched upon a shield. “In addition to the grain, the second caravan contained several important items that were being delivered to a Sanctorum in Abessios. That is why Otho, the caravan master, died in the second ambush; he was trying to ensure that the delivery made it through, whatever the cost.”</p><p></p><p>“And this delivery is…”</p><p></p><p>“I cannot say,” said Gratian. “There is a hidden compartment bolted to the bottom of one of the wagons, the one with the hubs of its wheels painted blue.” He pulled a key from a chain around his neck and handed it to Quintus. “This key will unlock the compartment. Inside is a small, sealed box. Do not, under any circumstances, break the seal or open the box.”</p><p></p><p>Quintus stood up. “I will retrieve this item for the Sanctorum. I swear upon it.”</p><p></p><p>“I knew you would,” said Gratian with a slight smile. “I have a few items here that should help you recover the box safely. He handed Quintus a potion. “This will render you invisible and also difficult to hear. It will last roughly half an hour, so use the time wisely. And in case you are spotted, I also have this.” </p><p></p><p>Gratian pulled out a small copper medallion on a leather thong. When he placed it around his neck, it instantly became a necklace of brilliant gold, with three golden spheres hanging from it. “If you detach one of these spheres and hurl it, it will explode into a ball of fire wherever it lands. The smaller two should do enough damage to kill most hobgoblins, while the larger one is significantly more powerful.” Gratian removed the necklace, which immediately reverted to its plain appearance, and handed it to Quintus. </p><p></p><p>Quintus took the necklace. “Now in return, I must ask something of you.”</p><p></p><p>“I’ve pooled my resources with the other affected merchants,” said Gratian, anticipating his question. “We’ll give you each fifty imperials just to begin the investigation. If you can find out where the wagons have been taken, it’s worth a hundred more apiece. We can also loan you horses if you don’t have any.”</p><p></p><p>“I’m sure my companions will take the gold,” said Quintus. “But I do not seek treasure. I wish to own land.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah,” said Gratian. “Farmland.”</p><p></p><p>Quintus nodded.</p><p></p><p>”That will take some doing. The Five Families do not easily let those into their ranks, Quintus. They’ve been managing the grain trade for generations on behalf of the val’Dellenovs. Any house that solves this problem will certainly look good.” </p><p></p><p>Quintus’ steadfast gaze did not waiver. After a moment, Gratian sighed. “I will do my best, but I can make no guarantees. Discovering the source of the problem will certainly go a long way towards securing a grant of land in any case.”</p><p></p><p>Quintus shook his hand. “Then we have a deal,” he said. </p><p></p><p> “I have assembled a decoy caravan, a small number of wagons carrying sacks full of sawdust rather than grain,” said Gratian. “It will be leaving town tomorrow morning, and I expect that the caravan will be robbed as the others have been. I have instructed my employees to surrender without a fight. Follow the caravan at a discreet distance and see where the hobgoblins take the grain after capturing it. Then return here and report to me.”</p><p></p><p>Gratian struggled again to his feet, and this time Quintus rose at the same time. He escorted Quintus to the door, where a servant was waiting to user him out.</p><p></p><p>“Just out of my own curiosity,” said Gratian, “why farmland, exactly?”</p><p></p><p>“I’ve my own crops to grow,” said Quintus.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="talien, post: 3568559, member: 3285"] [b]Grains of Sand - Part 1: Setting the Trap[/b] At last, a servant escorted Quintus to a small meeting room off the atrium, where he was provided with flavorful wine and fresh, delicious apples. The legionnaire seated himself on one of the many pillows scattered throughout the room. After a few moments, a pale, blond-haired val of perhaps fifty years limped into the room. He seemed healthy enough, but one foot was bent at an odd angle as he walked. “Don’t get up,” he said as he slowly lowered himself onto one of the pillows. “I am Gratian val’Holryn.” He poured a small glass of wine for himself, looking Quintus over as he did so. “I’m not certain how much you know about the situation here.” “I know that several caravans of grain and other foodstuffs, bound for Abessios, have been attacked and their cargos stolen,” said Quintus. “But not much more than that.” “Over the past two weeks, three grains caravans were robbed on the road east of Manteii, on the edge of the Forsaken Wastes. Apparently, a group of hobgoblins—or possibly orcs, the survivors aren’t entirely sure—ambushed the caravans and demanded the wagons and their cargo as tribute.” “That cannot be allowed to continue,” said Quintus. “You were wise to contact me.” “That is not the only reason I contacted you,” said Gratian. “You have a reputation for…circumventing government bureaucracy. You’ve finished tasks that entire legions took months to complete.” Quintus’ brow furrowed. “Go on.” “Legionnaires from governor val’Dellenov in Panari are on their way. But in the meantime, I need someone who can find out where the wagons and grain are being taken. The legionnaires can handle the problem at its source once they arrive.” “I find it hard to believe hobgoblins could take on a well-armed caravan,” said Quintus. “The first caravan was very lightly guarded, since the road was historically very safe. The hobgoblins had archers up on ridges to either side of the caravan, plus a few individuals on foot in front of the lead wagons. The workers were outnumbered and surprised, so they surrendered their cargo without a fight, and thankfully no one was injured.” “And the second caravan?” “As the caravan members were walking back to Manteii, they encountered my caravan and warned them about the attack. They didn’t return for more guards, since my caravan master though the hobgoblins wouldn’t mount a second attack so soon.” Graitan’s faced twisted into a grimace. “He paid for his error with his life. He tried to make a break for it in the lead wagon, and was shot full of arrows for his trouble. The rest of the caravan surrendered in short order. That brings me to another reason why you were recommended for this mission.” “Recommended?” asked Quintus. Gratian ordered his servants out of the room. As the door closed, his face grew serious. “I have ties to a certain organization, one which I believe you support as well.” He folded back a part of his toga to reveal a small pin in the shape of a hawk perched upon a shield. “In addition to the grain, the second caravan contained several important items that were being delivered to a Sanctorum in Abessios. That is why Otho, the caravan master, died in the second ambush; he was trying to ensure that the delivery made it through, whatever the cost.” “And this delivery is…” “I cannot say,” said Gratian. “There is a hidden compartment bolted to the bottom of one of the wagons, the one with the hubs of its wheels painted blue.” He pulled a key from a chain around his neck and handed it to Quintus. “This key will unlock the compartment. Inside is a small, sealed box. Do not, under any circumstances, break the seal or open the box.” Quintus stood up. “I will retrieve this item for the Sanctorum. I swear upon it.” “I knew you would,” said Gratian with a slight smile. “I have a few items here that should help you recover the box safely. He handed Quintus a potion. “This will render you invisible and also difficult to hear. It will last roughly half an hour, so use the time wisely. And in case you are spotted, I also have this.” Gratian pulled out a small copper medallion on a leather thong. When he placed it around his neck, it instantly became a necklace of brilliant gold, with three golden spheres hanging from it. “If you detach one of these spheres and hurl it, it will explode into a ball of fire wherever it lands. The smaller two should do enough damage to kill most hobgoblins, while the larger one is significantly more powerful.” Gratian removed the necklace, which immediately reverted to its plain appearance, and handed it to Quintus. Quintus took the necklace. “Now in return, I must ask something of you.” “I’ve pooled my resources with the other affected merchants,” said Gratian, anticipating his question. “We’ll give you each fifty imperials just to begin the investigation. If you can find out where the wagons have been taken, it’s worth a hundred more apiece. We can also loan you horses if you don’t have any.” “I’m sure my companions will take the gold,” said Quintus. “But I do not seek treasure. I wish to own land.” “Ah,” said Gratian. “Farmland.” Quintus nodded. ”That will take some doing. The Five Families do not easily let those into their ranks, Quintus. They’ve been managing the grain trade for generations on behalf of the val’Dellenovs. Any house that solves this problem will certainly look good.” Quintus’ steadfast gaze did not waiver. After a moment, Gratian sighed. “I will do my best, but I can make no guarantees. Discovering the source of the problem will certainly go a long way towards securing a grant of land in any case.” Quintus shook his hand. “Then we have a deal,” he said. “I have assembled a decoy caravan, a small number of wagons carrying sacks full of sawdust rather than grain,” said Gratian. “It will be leaving town tomorrow morning, and I expect that the caravan will be robbed as the others have been. I have instructed my employees to surrender without a fight. Follow the caravan at a discreet distance and see where the hobgoblins take the grain after capturing it. Then return here and report to me.” Gratian struggled again to his feet, and this time Quintus rose at the same time. He escorted Quintus to the door, where a servant was waiting to user him out. “Just out of my own curiosity,” said Gratian, “why farmland, exactly?” “I’ve my own crops to grow,” said Quintus. [/QUOTE]
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