OOC: You all seem ready to head to Vestan's place, so if anyone wants to do anything special en route, please let me know and I can retcon any activities.
You all set off for Platinate, which is in the landing across the chasm from your current location. Strolling across the huge 50-foot-wide suspended bridge that spans the chasm and leads to Platinate, you take notice of various skycoaches and soarsleds that buzz around the towers.
As you enter Platinate, you see an area of Sharn entirely new to most of you. The streets are loaded with ostentatious displays of wealth. Statues of what appear to be prominent citizens of Sharn surround the streets, etched in bronze and marble. Each of the towers in this district seems to be of the utmost craftsmanship, and a warm breeze wafts through the gaps in the towers. As in Deathsgate, the people of the city seem to be bustling about their duties. Platinate seems to be entirely a residential district. Off in the corner, you notice the familiar sight of two of the Town Watch. These two humans are wearing studded leather armor emblazoned with the seal of Breland on the front and each wields a halberd. They seem to be surveying the general populace, keeping an eye on any mischief makers.
After a small search, Eldon points out a crest hanging from a chain above a doorway. Eldon explains that this crest, the outline of a green shield with what appears to be a green dragon etched on it, is the crest of the Simul family.
Entering the tower, you find the insides decorated lavishly. Silk drapes cover the windows of the inside, and an rug made of some exotic material you do not recognize lays under your feet. Inside the room is a desk, behind which sits a human dressed in nice clothing. He seems to be writing something in a ledger, and when he looks up to notice you, gets an excited look in his eyes.
Without waiting for you to announce your intentions, he stands up and says
"Ah! An adventuring party! No doubt answering our advertisement! Excellent! Excellent! Please come right this way!" He ushers you through a door on the opposite side of the entryway, and into a receiving room.
"Now, wait right here a minute and I will fetch master Vestan." He then leaves out another door without waiting for a response from anyone.
Looking around the room, you notice only the finest of silks. A fireplace warms the room, though the fire seems to be magical in nature, throwing off a red, even glow while warming the room. The room holds a couple of couches, two plush chairs, and a desk made of what appears to be an unusual type of wood.
After a few seconds, a nobleman enters the room. He is dressed in a fine, crimson shirt, with tan velvet breeches. A circlet of brass with a ruby in the center adorns his brow. He is of majestic stature, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a blonde goatee.
"Welcome! My name is Vestan ir'Simul, a humble financier looking for assistance. Come, sit, and entertain my proposal." He gestures around to the various seats in the room, and sits down behind the wood desk.
"Ah, but where are my manners? Would anybody like any refreshments? Some wine, perhaps..." Vestan looks uncomfortably over the two warforged in the room...
"or some oil?"
He claps his hands together loudly twice.
"Dassar! Please bring some wine for our guests." Dassar, the same person who led you into this room, peeks in the doorway, acknowledges his master, and leaves.
"Now, to my proposition. I have had the opportunity of funding an excavation in the Ashblack ward of the Cogs. You are all familiar with the Cogs, correct?" Without waiting for a response, Vestan continues.
"We are clearing space for a new ore-processing plant. However, we have had a run of bad luck. It seems that within the last week or so, we have had two disappearances amongst the workers: one eight days ago, and a second the other evening. After the second disappearance, the workers refused to continue until something be done. I originally went to the Town Watch, but you know them... as soon as I mention the Cogs, they just seem to roll their eyes and move on. And so, I am forced to appeal to outside help. What I would like is this: please, on my behalf, go down to the excavation site. Investigate the disappearances. I have a feeling that these dwarves just ran off on their own. Reassure the good workers down there that everything is safe, and that they can continue working."
At this point, Vestan reaches into a drawer and pulls out six pouches. He drops the pouches on the desk.
"For payment, I will offer each of you 100 gold each up front, with an additional..." he seems to mull something over in his head
"500 gold each upon completion. So, what say you? Unfortunately, I will need an answer immediately, for if you refuse, I am sure there will be another group willing to take the job."
For Eldon:
[SBLOCK]
Knowledge (local) 16 You know that Vestan's comment about the Town Watch is probably true. They tend to steer clear of the Cogs, only worrying themselves if something unusual is happening to the city's sewage system down below.
[/SBLOCK]
