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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ambrus" data-source="post: 2770192" data-attributes="member: 17691">Damien smiles almost imperceptibly at Grendel's quip but resumes a serious and respectful tone of voice before continuing. "Although your offer of a five silver retainer is, I'm sure, welcome to these gentleman and myself I'm afraid that the three silver a day salary cannot be dependant on the uncovering of Covis' scheme. After all, there may simply be no scheme to uncover which, I'm sure you'll agree, would be no fault of our own. I'll agree with you however that three silver is a reasonable salary considering the obvious skills and talents of these fine men you've assembled. After all, the average salary for the clerks of the Excise House is also three silver per day." Motioning to the towering bear-sark clad barbarian Damien continues: "For instance, I don't believe anyone could say that Mister, uh, Bearbait's... talents aren't at least equal to those of an Excise House clerk. Wouldn't you agree Mister Tremance?"Damien waits a few moments to let the clerk size up the barbarian for himself. "Also, with no offense to the fine gentleman and women downstairs, there is a certain amount of risk to this endeavour that you propose that their jobs do not demand. If you're correct about Covis, it seems likely that he's made a fair amount of coin with his scheme. He may very well have used that coin to hire mercenaries as you yourself are now proposing to do. Chances are that mister Covis, if he or his men discover or even suspect what we are doing they may object violently to our investigation. I believe that the possibility of harm should, by necessity, include an equal possibility of monetary compensation. So I propose that, should any of us be injured in such a violent exchange, that our salary for the entire mission be doubled to six silver coins per day." Damien pauses to wave an arm around the room. "I'm certain you'll agree that these fine men's blood is certaintly worth at least that much wouldn't you Mister Tremance?""Now, although Mister Grendel's enthusiasm is laudable, I'm certain that you are aware that the Drowning Towers lie nearly seven leagues offshore. As I'm sure Grendel, an experienced seaman can attest, there are numerous shoals and shallows that must be carefully navigated to reach them. If we are to undertake a journey there, as you propose, it is an inescapable fact that we could never managed a round trip to report to you daily. If you wish us to undertake this mission on your behalf I'm afraid you'll simply have to be content with receiving our reports when it is feasible for us to do so. Such meetings will also prove an ideal time for you to present us with the moneys we've thus far earned while in your service. Of course if at those times you or we decide that our arrangement is no longer desireable you can simply pay us what is owed and our arrangement will cease."Damien slowly stands while looking towards the other men in the room to see if they have anything to add. Once they've said their peace, Damien reaches down and opens up his mariner's bag. "Now then, this being the Excise House, I'm certain that you'll see the wisdom of having our agreement written down, signed and sealed by our patron Mister Tremance. Luckily I just happen to have my scrivening tools here with me. If you'll give me a corner of your desk and a few moments I'm sure I can write it all out as we've discussed while you retrieve the 20 silver coins retainer as well as the three-week weapon and armor licenses you've promised us"</blockquote>

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