As X enters and seats himself the dark elf looks up again. "Gah! 'Nother warforged..." grumbles the dark elf. He looks unpleased but refrains from speaking further.
"Well, why don't we start now?" says the youth. He points to each of you and consults a parchment with the seal of House Sivis on the back of it. "Right..."
"First, thank you all for coming on such short notice. Your names were given to us as people who might be interested in A) work, and B) a journey to Xen'Drik. That fact that you're all somewhat experienced at what you do also counts in your favor."
"I am Jherod Rhailand Halaster-Vlad'dam. This, he says indicating the red-haired woman behind him is my security consultant Marianna d'Deneith. Mr. Lon d'Lyrander and Ms. Yelena d'Vadalis are both here representing thier houses in this venture. In addition to representing the Vlad'dam family, I also represent Wynarn University. The University and Houses Vadalis and Lyrander are our primary investors."
He leans forward on the table. "My family has recently uncovered some information that may lead to a great archeological discovery on Xen'Drik." Jherod looks like he's going to piss his britches from excitement. "If our information is accurate, this may well be something for the history books." He pauses, reigning in his enthusiasm. "Before I can divulge any further details about our specific goal in this venture, you will need to agree to come along. But I assure you. It'll be well worth it."
"House Deneith is already providing for the security, but my father insisted that I contract... adventurers" he says the word as if it's distasteful. "...such as yourselves. 'Unforseen Dangers' he said, 'are commonplace on the dark continent.' Your purpose then, is trouble shooting and security assistance."
"In addition to the ability to pursue your own goals on your downtime," he says this glancing at Takis. "...you will recieve a full share of the expedition's earnings and findings. payable upon OUR RETURN to Sharn. Should we find anything that interests you on our journey, you will, of course, be presented with the opportunity to procure those items in exchange for a suitable portion of your earnings."
"I already have small team in place at an undisclosed location on Xen'Drick. They await us with our initial supply cache and should be setting up a base camp as we speak." He gestures to the dark elf. "This is Captain Fharod'den, of the Lunar Fury. He will be our guide across the treacherous waters. In addition to the Lunar Fury, House Lyrander has donated the use of Osprey and Wavedancer. These three ships should form our small fleet. All three are being retrofitted with some specific modifications that House Vadalis requested but should be ready to sail on with morning tide."
Rezzin: [SBLOCK] Both the Osprey and the Wavedancer are Soarwood Galleons. House Lyrander must be taking this venture quite seriously if they're willing to risk vessels such as those. [/SBLOCK]
Rik: [SBLOCK] Osprey is a massive Soarwood Galleon. You recently took a job stealing the ship's logs & manifests for one of your clients. [/SBLOCK]
"That's really all that I had prepared. I'm sure you have some questions. But if you are interested. Please sign these documents indicating that you agree to be bound to secrecy about what we do here. After the expedition has been concluded, you may say whatever you like." he looks specifically as Groswen when he says this. "As well, they ensure that you will recieve one share of the expedition's proceeds with the exception of any exotic animals that we recover. Those go, in thier entirety, to House Vadalis. For thier financial backing of this venture, my family, Wynarn University, and House Lyrander will recieve a triple-share each." He opens a wooden box and lays out the documentation on the tables. From a pocket, he produces a fountain pen and lays it beside the paperwork. He looks up expectantly.
"What was that 'bout there being twelve warforged walkin' my decks?" says Captain Fharod'den.
"House Deneith has contracted a mercenary group known as the Clockwork 10 to provide for the security of our venture while on Xen'Drik. Warforged do not eat, do not sleep, and do not get sick. They will make ideal guards."
The captain doesn't look happy, but he doesn't object any more than he already has. Those near him can hear him muttering under his breath about 'heartless anchors'.
Groswen: [SBLOCK] You remember reading a story shortly after the end of the Last War about the continuing skirmishes along the Breland/Karrnath battle lines that involved Breland contracting a warforged mercenary band known as the Clockwork 10. The rumors of thier descruction must have been simply that... rumors. [/SBLOCK]
Mortachi: [SBLOCK] You've heard of the Clockwork 10. They were a rather successful mercenary company following the end of the Last War. [/SBLOCK]
Plate: [SBLOCK] You've heard of the Clockwork 10. They are a mercenary company that operates out of the Mournland. You've heard it whispered that they work for the Lord of Blades. But from practical experience, they don't seem to follow his agenda since they are friendly and outgoing towards the living races. Likely, they simply undertook a few jobs for the Lord of Blades and the rumors followed them like flies to a dead formerly-living person. [/SBLOCK]
X: [SBLOCK] You've heard of the Clockwork 10. They are a mercenary company that operates out of the Mournland. You've heard it whispered that they work for the Lord of Blades. But from practical experience, they don't seem to follow his agenda since they are friendly and outgoing towards the living races. Likely, they simply undertook a few jobs for the Lord of Blades and the rumors followed them like flies to a dead formerly-living person. [/SBLOCK]
