House Millithor in the City of the Spider Queen
- Thread starter Endur
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Endur
First Post
Tolokoph, an old Drow male with an eyepatch and tremoring hands, seems to limp and act even older as he takes his leave of Kilcif. After climbing the steps to Jabbress Yyssiriryl's luxury box, he bows deeply before her and Matron Ki'Willis.
After Yyssiriryl inclines her head in acknowledgement of his presence, Tolokoph speaks, "Jabbress Yyssiriryl, Matron Ki'Willis Milithor, with your permission, here is my report on Kilcif's response regarding employment. He said he will visit the Matron's quarters as requested at the requested time tomorrow if he does not find prior employment first."
With a look of annoyance on her face, Lady Yyssiriryl glances out of the luxury box and notices that Kilcif is intent upon visiting Laral, presumably to see if Laral is interested in hiring him.
Ignoring Tolokoph, Lady Yyssiriryl comments to Matron Ki'Willis, "Hmmm, Kilcif is probably the most capable, available mercenary warrior in Mantol Derith. Quite headstrong. He is not tremendously trusting, he usually asks for half payment in advance. But, of the available warriors, he is probably the best. Of course, he is probably one of the most expensive mercenaries too, so you'll need to consider whether you really want to pay his price. And if we reschedule the meeting to sooner, you avoid the prospect of someone else hiring him, but you risk the price going up even further.
"There are a number of lesser goblinoids and Ogre warriors that are available for a smaller price that you could hire. Or perhaps persuade through the use of magic. Or perhaps you could hire an Illithid or one of the other mind-manipulating creatures to do your 'recruiting' for you."
"Another possibility is to consider hiring a troop of warriors. There are quite a number of Duergar warriors in Mantol Derith right now. It might be possible to negotiate the renting of a regiment of duergar warriors. The only problem with that, of course, is that you'll have to reveal to the Duergar what the target is."
After Yyssiriryl inclines her head in acknowledgement of his presence, Tolokoph speaks, "Jabbress Yyssiriryl, Matron Ki'Willis Milithor, with your permission, here is my report on Kilcif's response regarding employment. He said he will visit the Matron's quarters as requested at the requested time tomorrow if he does not find prior employment first."
With a look of annoyance on her face, Lady Yyssiriryl glances out of the luxury box and notices that Kilcif is intent upon visiting Laral, presumably to see if Laral is interested in hiring him.
Ignoring Tolokoph, Lady Yyssiriryl comments to Matron Ki'Willis, "Hmmm, Kilcif is probably the most capable, available mercenary warrior in Mantol Derith. Quite headstrong. He is not tremendously trusting, he usually asks for half payment in advance. But, of the available warriors, he is probably the best. Of course, he is probably one of the most expensive mercenaries too, so you'll need to consider whether you really want to pay his price. And if we reschedule the meeting to sooner, you avoid the prospect of someone else hiring him, but you risk the price going up even further.
"There are a number of lesser goblinoids and Ogre warriors that are available for a smaller price that you could hire. Or perhaps persuade through the use of magic. Or perhaps you could hire an Illithid or one of the other mind-manipulating creatures to do your 'recruiting' for you."
"Another possibility is to consider hiring a troop of warriors. There are quite a number of Duergar warriors in Mantol Derith right now. It might be possible to negotiate the renting of a regiment of duergar warriors. The only problem with that, of course, is that you'll have to reveal to the Duergar what the target is."
Serpenteye
First Post
Ki'Willis looks slightly amused, Let Kilcif play his games as he sees fit, he may be competent but he's far from our only option. If his price is too high we'll simply hire someone else.
I'd be loath to entrust the Illithid with anything, much less a task of vital importance to our security, and a group enslaved trough enchantment can be turned against us with a mere dispell.
I would prefer a mixed force, a group with divided outside loyalties will be more loyal to me, make the hired force too uniform and they might easier coordinate a mutiny. A small group of heavily armed Duergar to hold the line, a few Ogres as second line assault and flanking-support for our rogues, perhaps some archers or a Sorcerer to support the front line, if we can afford it. Approximately 10-12 mercenaries in all, a small but powerful force composed of individuals durable enough to withstand a fireball spell or two. We are also going to need sufficient transportation to carry out our task, at least 2 lizards, perhaps more.
What cost would you approximate for that, lady Yyssyriryl, at the current rates?
Ooc: What do you all think?
I'd be loath to entrust the Illithid with anything, much less a task of vital importance to our security, and a group enslaved trough enchantment can be turned against us with a mere dispell.
I would prefer a mixed force, a group with divided outside loyalties will be more loyal to me, make the hired force too uniform and they might easier coordinate a mutiny. A small group of heavily armed Duergar to hold the line, a few Ogres as second line assault and flanking-support for our rogues, perhaps some archers or a Sorcerer to support the front line, if we can afford it. Approximately 10-12 mercenaries in all, a small but powerful force composed of individuals durable enough to withstand a fireball spell or two. We are also going to need sufficient transportation to carry out our task, at least 2 lizards, perhaps more.
What cost would you approximate for that, lady Yyssyriryl, at the current rates?
Ooc: What do you all think?
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Endur
First Post
Lady Yyssiriryl responds to Matron Ki'Willis,
"Matron Ki'Willis, I have a number of riding and pack lizards that I will provide for your forces for free.
"A more difficult question is finding individuals who can, as you put it, survive a fireball or two. The Bugbear Archer Kilcif is sufficiently durable. As is the surface world Sorceror known as Chirar. My slave Trygon could survive a number of fireballs. I would imagine that some of the Duergar might qualify. The most competent individuals are probably not for hire.
"The Ogres are impressive bullies, but they will fry like bacon if caught in a fireball."
"Matron Ki'Willis, I have a number of riding and pack lizards that I will provide for your forces for free.
"A more difficult question is finding individuals who can, as you put it, survive a fireball or two. The Bugbear Archer Kilcif is sufficiently durable. As is the surface world Sorceror known as Chirar. My slave Trygon could survive a number of fireballs. I would imagine that some of the Duergar might qualify. The most competent individuals are probably not for hire.
"The Ogres are impressive bullies, but they will fry like bacon if caught in a fireball."
Serpenteye
First Post
Ki'Willis nods gracefully I thank you.
Ogres are expendable, and likely cheap. If they die, so much the better, we can retake their payment from the corpses. Perhaps they would serve better as flankers, too far apart from the main force to make fireballing them worthwhile... Yes, a believe I shall get myself a couple.
The issue with the Duergar will be more complicated. Though we will be unable to hide our departure and our destination will surely be guessed by anyone powerful enough to have a reason to care, I would prefer we get a group that is relatively independent. Knowledge is power and I do not give power lightly, our goal must be left unknown for as long as possible. If they are a part of the standing Duergar army their outside loyalties will be too strong and in a conflict-of-interest they will turn against us. If Duergar prove impractical we shall have to make do with Goblinoids. Dwarves make a more disciplined force, but it is the ablility to absorb, and to a lesser extent, inflict damage that is primary. Would you arrange to make the proper inquiries?
I would ask that you have your servant contact Chirar, we are in dire need of spellcasting support. Do you know anything about the man?
You mentioned Trygon again. He would make an excellent complement to our force. Did you have a price in mind?
Endur
First Post
Lady Yyssiriryl pauses to consider her words.
"Matron Ki'Willis, if you value confidentiality, it is perhaps best to avoid the duergar. They are a very clannish race. While they do compete with each other and it is normally possible to bribe one of them against another, this is not a normal time. With Horlbar Steelshadow, the Crown Prince of Gracklstugh, in Mantol Derith, the Duergar will be spending their efforts to compete for the Prince's favor. Any confidential information that a Duergar discovers will undoubtedly be revealed to their Prince or his advisors.
"I will arrange the proper inquiries for the Goblinoids and the Ogres.
"With regards to Chirar, I have heard a variety of rumors. A human from the surface world, he is rumored to be a powerful sorceror, although unlike a wizard he does not use incantations to create magical effects. A few days ago, he outbid one of my servants for an Adamantine Sword in an auction hosted by the Duergar.
"I have also heard a rumor that Chirar drinks blood. It is possible he is afflicted with vampirism.
"Trygon is the supreme warrior in Mantol Derith. His value is priceless. I can not name a price at this time. However, it is possible that I could name a price in the future. So, I might consider selling him to you before you leave Mantol Derith for a price to be determined later by myself. A favor to be named later."
"Matron Ki'Willis, if you value confidentiality, it is perhaps best to avoid the duergar. They are a very clannish race. While they do compete with each other and it is normally possible to bribe one of them against another, this is not a normal time. With Horlbar Steelshadow, the Crown Prince of Gracklstugh, in Mantol Derith, the Duergar will be spending their efforts to compete for the Prince's favor. Any confidential information that a Duergar discovers will undoubtedly be revealed to their Prince or his advisors.
"I will arrange the proper inquiries for the Goblinoids and the Ogres.
"With regards to Chirar, I have heard a variety of rumors. A human from the surface world, he is rumored to be a powerful sorceror, although unlike a wizard he does not use incantations to create magical effects. A few days ago, he outbid one of my servants for an Adamantine Sword in an auction hosted by the Duergar.
"I have also heard a rumor that Chirar drinks blood. It is possible he is afflicted with vampirism.
"Trygon is the supreme warrior in Mantol Derith. His value is priceless. I can not name a price at this time. However, it is possible that I could name a price in the future. So, I might consider selling him to you before you leave Mantol Derith for a price to be determined later by myself. A favor to be named later."
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Serpenteye
First Post
Ki'Willis nods, her lips slightly curved in a secretive smile. The price might not be yours to choose, my dear.
A vampire, hmm? I suppose he'll require different fodder, we shall have to find some more Goblins on route.
ooc:Endur, How much money do you expect we're going to need to pay all these people? Am I too ambitious in hiring mercs or could we afford some more?
Endur
First Post
The bugbear Kilcif continues his progress towards Laral's luxury box.
At the entrance to the box, a trio of Orcs are playing dice. Kilcif walks right past the guards, and they don't stop playing their dice game.
Kilcif enters the luxury box and almost walks right into Sarduel, Laral's chief enforcer.
The pale skinned human with glowing eyes stares at Kilcif without saying a word. Kilcif has always gotten the feeling that Sarduel hates him.
Beyond Sarduel, Laral and Jena are embracing and havn't yet reacted to Kilcif's entry.
At the entrance to the box, a trio of Orcs are playing dice. Kilcif walks right past the guards, and they don't stop playing their dice game.
Kilcif enters the luxury box and almost walks right into Sarduel, Laral's chief enforcer.
The pale skinned human with glowing eyes stares at Kilcif without saying a word. Kilcif has always gotten the feeling that Sarduel hates him.
Beyond Sarduel, Laral and Jena are embracing and havn't yet reacted to Kilcif's entry.
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