Gross Fell: The dragon's lair

[yangnome]

If you and your village are unwilling to help us rid the area of the threat, than I am not willing to help.

I assure you if you send young men with us, we will protect tehm and teach them well. The least you can do is ask if any of them are interested in protecting their loved ones and their way of life; you'd be suprised, some might have the moral turpitude to stand up and do something rather than freeloading on outsiders

 

[Thordain]

Jolan sighs, resigned.

"Fair enough. I understand your position."

OoC: In case it isn't clear, Jolan won't change his mind. He truly believes that anyone he sends with you will have a good chance of dying, and he is not willing to accept that.

 

[yangnome]

Surely someone in your town must be skilled enough or have desire enough to accompany us. Ask around, or if you are not willing to put someone else at risk, you can come with us. As an added incentive to whoever decides to come learn with us, I will split my share of the treasure with them equally, the rest will be divided amongst your town and then the wishes of my god. I believe I am being more than fair with you. If you are not even willing to ask, obviously the risk isn't great enough for you to care to do something about it or the lives of dwarves don't mean much to you. Either way, I will not budge.

 

[Thordain]

"It is not a question of treasure, nor is it one of willingness. As I said earlier, if we made it public that a dragon was out in these hills, there would be no shortage of people going out and getting themselves killed trying to hunt it down.
"Finally, although we would certainly approve if you went to investigate, we are not asking you to. We are presenting the situation, and if you feel it is worth your time to investigate, then go ahead. If you don't then by all means don't."

 

[yangnome]

sense motive (0 ranks, +4 Wis) on the situation (hunch)


You are indeed asking us to risk our lives to save your village.

Further, let me pose a scenario to you. Now, I'm not gonna speak for these other guys I don't know, but suppose we say no and leave the area. Over the next few weeks, the dragon is spotted by more people, he possibly even attacks one or two people. Now you have your whole town running around crazy, not capable of defnding itself and a bunch of kids who don't know what they are doing get killed trying to slay this thing.

I am offering you an alternative to what you fear. Give me one or two young men and I will take them with us, we will train them and they will be in a safer situation than any of your villagers trying to go up against this thing alone. Further, they will gain enough experience and self confidence from this, that they will be able to protect your village in the future.

You do not need to tell everyone about the dragon, just tell some of the local kids that there are adventurers here looking for volunteers to help them carry some gear while on a dangerous mission, they will be richly compensated and trained.

 

[Thordain]

Sense motive roll: 13 + 4 = 17.
You get the feeling that Jolan is being completely honest and truthful. He doesn't seem to be hiding anything.


Jolan sighs.

"Your argument is based on the premise that these boys would be safe with you. I do not agree. As for your alternative, we will take that risk if it comes to that."

 

[yangnome]

well then, you leave me no alternative, I'll have to find volunteers myself...if it stirs up panick, so be it.

To the Barkeep


Barkeep! I'd like to settle my tab. Could you please also direct me to where I might be able to hire some labor...either that or the town mayor or whatevcer you call him here.

 

[Thordain]

The innkeeper says:
"That'll be four coppers for your ale, sir. I believe these other gentlemen paid for your others."

As you get up, Jolan puts a strong hand on your shoulder. His other goes to his sword at his belt.
"I'm going to have to ask you not to do that. Not wanting to go out and investigate is fine, and perfectly all right. Going out and spreading a panic is not something we will allow."

 

[Page]

Lorenz rolls his eyes and leans back in his chair with an exasperated sigh. Running a hand through his hair with obvious frustration, he turns to Jolan.

"Look, forget about Dopey here. He ain't right for the job anyway. I don't need anybody taggin along on a dangerous job that's too scared to go without roundin up some locals for backup. I'm ready to get this job done, and these two other good dwarves look like they are too. Once I've shaken hands on a deal, it's done, so you can count on me. We'll take care of this dragon for you and you won't have to worry about any kind of panic once Davik starts runnin his big mouth, ok? Just point me in the right direction, and I'll take it from there."

Glancing back at Thoart and the other quiet dwarf, Lorenz grins.

"So, are you boys with me on this? Yes or no. The time for talk is over, so let's make a decision already."

 

[yangnome]

You need to take your hand off me. I have callings that come from higher than you. If your town is indeed in need of protection, I will do it, but I will do it my way.
He tugs himself free and starts walking to the bartender to settel the tab.

Here's a gold, keep the change and use it to invest in some good ingredients for your ale. No, aboutthe town leader..?