Four applicants? And so quick! Oirhandir was seeing why the Red Dragon was so popular with adventurers, and how easy it was for Joe to make a good living by selling access to his "customers".
The elf had been a little unsettled by the huge half-orc who lumbered forward, but the hulking warrior seemed sincere about the job, and not the least bit resentful that he might be working with, or even for, an elf. "If he can deal with me, I can certainly deal with him", thought Oirhandir to himself, recalling some cramped voyages with decidedly mixed crews...ones in which the elven component was a minority of one!
His heart thrilled to see a mage step forward. Oirhandir certainly didn't feel like he knew enough magic for the job, and a true replacement for Calamar would be most welcome. A priest of Gliran, a rogue...and one who knew Rogier? No matter who accepted, this party was rounding out nicely.
Oirhandir resoved to speak quickly and clearly, simply enough so that Gath could follow, yet giving enough details that Almayce might be satisfied. He smiled as he glanced at his audience.
"I see we are indeed well-met. Our employer is one Rupert Vaneelkelen, a wealthy resident of Orussus with a taste for rare objects. He is known to Joe, who can probably give a better reference than I can. In the short time we have known him, he has treated Rogier and myself fairly and well." He glanced at Rogier, expecting assent.
"Rupert has come to possession of a map to a dragon's horde. I should add that no dragon, save the one outside, has been seen in these parts for centuries. Rupert wishes us to search that place and bring back to him whatever we find. He seems far more interested in magic and curiosities than he is in wealth, but has no desire to leave his comfortable surroundings in this city to fetch them. Hence, he will pay us to do so." Oirhandir paused and glanced at his new companions, trying to gauge their interest.
"We left with three others to find this cache, and as far as we got, the map was true. One of our companions was bitten by dozens of small snakes, and we felt it wise to return him here to heal rather than to press on. The other two are staying behind to nurse him to health. Our path takes us to a swamp a day or two's ride from here, and then perhaps another day or three into that swamp."
"If you wish to join us, Rogier and I will take you to Rupert's office. He will ask you to sign a contract promising to return what you find in exchange for payment, and to leave a small bit of your hair or blood with him to seal the agreement. This is Rupert's protection should one of us decide to cheat him and claim all the treasure for himself. For myself, I find his terms reasonable, and plan on acquiring some magical finery on another adventure."
"All of this was a secret a few days ago when we left. But now that we have returned, someone has spread the news all over town. Rupert fears that someone will try to beat us to the treasure, which is why we must make haste." The elf glanced at Rogier for assent as he pronounced his plans.
"We should leave with the dawn. Rupert will provide us with what animals and supplies we need for the expedition. If you are interested, follow us to Rupert's office now. We can answer any further questions once we are there. Oh, and you should be able to return here between now and dawn to get your things, or whatever you need to do here."
Oirhandir recalled the myriad questions that the original party had for Rupert in the room just a few steps from where he now stood, and hoped he had anticipated this group's questions well enough to convince them to take the short stroll to Rupert's.
