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The Stepchildren of Fate (Updated 6/3)
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<blockquote data-quote="htetickrt" data-source="post: 1366030" data-attributes="member: 16534"><p style="text-align: center">The Return</p><p></p><p> </p><p>Trella requests solemnly that her contract stipulates that whatever task is assigned to her will in no way contradict her druidic beliefs (including, but not limited to, the burning or harming of trees and plants, forest denizens humanoid and animal, and damage to land or land-based lower organisms). If her task is to kill Andy, she indicates that she will sign twice.</p><p> </p><p>Andy whispers, "Smoking hot!"</p><p> </p><p>Jeremiah nods in the affirmative. "While I don't know exactly what the task will be, I doubt sincerely that it will even involve a wilderness setting. As such, I have no problem adding exactly what you have stated to the contract." The merchant retrieves the contract and adds Trella's wording verbatim.</p><p> </p><p>Kyree looks at Trella oddly. “Have you gotten smarter?”</p><p> </p><p>The druid bristles. “What are you trying to say, bow-boy?”</p><p> </p><p>“Nothing…it’s just that, well, I never thought I’d hear you say ‘stipulate.’”</p><p> </p><p>“What, only full elves can use big words? I don’t recall that you had all sorts of book-learnin’.”</p><p> </p><p>Kyree sighs. “I wasn’t trying to start anything. I was just impressed.”</p><p> </p><p>Trella tries to maintain her scowl, but cannot stop her lips from twitching. “You should be. I rock.</p><p> </p><p>“Shut up, Andy.”</p><p> </p><p>Khail unleashes a big belly laugh, scaring the stuffing out of friends not used to such behavior. “Sorry,” he coughs, and then adds his own codicil that any task must not break his paladin code.</p><p> </p><p>Trella looks incredulous. “What paladin code? What in the Nine Hells are you talking about?”</p><p> </p><p>The burly paladin unconsciously pulls on his ponytail. “I have…different goals than I used to Trella. I’d thank you not to make fun.”</p><p> </p><p>The druid rolls her eyes. “I wasn’t…oh, whatever.” She turns her attention to a rather poorly done engraving of a Blood War battle scene, inexplicably done in mother of pearl.</p><p> </p><p>Jeremiah smiles at Khail. "As is already present in the contract, no evil task will be given. Further, I am prepared to add that any action undertaken will result, to the best of my understanding, in an overall decrease in both evil and chaos as compared to the alternative outcome should you not participate. The task will also leave you enough time to aid those less fortunates that you feel it necessary to help. I will put this all into the contract immediately." The merchant does just as he says.</p><p> </p><p>Dobi sighs wistfully at Wistamoch's departure, though he remains much amused at this huge collection of humanoids (and unicorn) that remain stuffed to the brim in Jeremiah's knickknackerie. Though his perennially unflappable countenance does not betray this, the halfling has been a bit unbalanced since emerging into this strange alien place, feeling very much like he did when he first stepped into Suzail, the hamlet-bred burrow-dweller in King Azoun's court.</p><p> </p><p>Placed at one end of a negotiating table, however, the diplomat feels quite at home. Dobi rubs his hands together in anticipation, hops spryly onto the closest chair so that he might be seen through the crowd, and clears his throat. "Jeremiah, your proposition is quite interesting, and a suitable starting point for discussion," Dobi glances down with a calculating gaze at the contract as it is being amended, "but you must provide certain assurances that said task required by the party of the first part, you, can be completed in a timely manner and without *undue* risk to life and limb to the party of the second part, us.</p><p> </p><p>"I will not submit to any agreement that may have me spending eternity as a footstool in the villa of some outerworld demon, or alternatively require us to go herding a small flock of Tarrasque."</p><p> </p><p>A hint of irritation crosses his face, but it quickly passes as his usual pleasant smile returns. Jeremiah places his hands out, palms up, as he responds, "These are the planes, my dear halfling; there is no guarantee of anything. I cannot indemnify you against the possibility that you could anger someone of great power and end up exactly as you do not desire to be."</p><p> </p><p>At these words, a shudder of remembered anger and pain passes through the Stepchildren of Fate, but they do an admirable job of maintaining their composure.</p><p> </p><p>Jeremiah continues, "However, I can assure you that whatever task I do assign is one which I think you might accomplish and return from reasonably intact, and I will specify this in the contract. I do not know any of you personally, save Montar who is not part of the contract, and have no motive nor desire to see harm befall any of you. Had I a job worthy of exchange for the information I am about to impart, I would simply tell you what it is now and you could judge for yourselves, but as it is I do not, and so you cannot. My meaning here is that the contract itself is a necessity to a circumstance, not part of some evil design."</p><p> </p><p>Kyree looks a bit uncomfortable. He says, "Actually, I don't have a pressing need to return to Toril. Could you help me find a way to Arborea?" Rubbing his right hand, he adds, "I have a promise to keep...to an old friend."</p><p> </p><p>Jeremiah mumbles, “I think George Lucas is going to sue somebody.” More clearly, he responds, "We can talk about a separate deal after this one, if you'd like."</p><p> </p><p>As Cerridwin looks over the contract, a confused look appears on her face. She offers, "I can't remember for sure, but for some reason, I have this feeling that a contract whose consideration is a future service, undetermined at the time of the formation of the contract and not subject to later negotiation, is voidable by the other party, if not void outright for vagueness. I'd have to review some notes on the subject to be sure, though."</p><p> </p><p>Jeremiah sighs. "So you are a scholar of the mystic contract, then? Very well, how is this: If, at the time I ask for the task to be completed, you do not want to complete it because you feel it violates the spirit of the contract, you may pay me instead the sum of 60,000 gold, deliverable within one week of my asking for it. Once the decision to pay instead has been made, you will owe an additional 10,000 gold every week after the first until your debt is paid. The geas will take effect after the first week has passed, and last until you have paid."</p><p> </p><p>Jeremiah writes this up and asks with somewhat less patience, "Anything else?"</p><p> </p><p>Dobi shrugs. "Sounds good to me." The halfling leans over and signs the document.</p><p> </p><p>Trella signs her contract with the addenda. Andy signs his, but more to position himself so he can see her cleavage when she signs her deal.</p><p> </p><p>Khail is satisfied with what he hears and lets it be known that he is willing to sign the contract. Lenara smiles and comments on his nobility before proclaiming her desire to sign as well. She stares longingly at the paladin, her intentions clear in her eyes, before he clears his throat uncomfortably. The two sign in quick succession.</p><p> </p><p>Kai hides a smile and signs. Danek handles the pen awkwardly but manages to print her name, blushing and scowling at the same time.</p><p> </p><p>While the motley crew signs, Dobi hops down from his perch and sidles up to Jeremiah with a glint in his eye, holding forth, "Well, thank you very much, Jeremiah, a pleasure doing business with you. You have quite a store here, that fertility statue reminds me of one gifted to my dear cousin Elbo of Waukeen, a missionary and anthropologist to Maztica in Toril, and traveling companion to Sage Ezra the Bloviant. The statue was created by a Plumaweaver living in the village Umarata near Nexal when he was approached by the village chief's woman…."</p><p> </p><p>As he speaks, Dobi attempts to fascinate Jeremiah with a lurid tale of infidelities, halfling wit, and magical accidents that led to the chief being forever known as Chief Tripod. However, whatever magic Jeremiah is using to prevent scrying of his alignment is apparently also proof against Dobi's inspired attempt. The merchant does seem vaguely amused by the tale, but the bard is experienced enough at his craft to realize that there was never even a hint of a chance that Jeremiah might fall sway to his charmed voice. Kyree notes this attempt with appreciation, but gives no outward sign for fear of tipping the group’s hand.</p><p> </p><p>Rhien, looking far more comfortable then he was before the monetary exit clause was inserted, signs his name in a flowing script. Taking his cue from the monk, Buttercup lumbers up to the paper and signs his name, spending a great deal of time drawing flowers in and around the letters. Jeremiah groans inwardly.</p><p> </p><p>Kyree waits several minutes while the party stares at him in silence, but eventually realizes that he isn’t going to get what he wants through discussion or magic and moves to sign the contract. Cerridwin shrugs and follows his lead, adding her name as well.</p><p> </p><p>With the formalities complete, Jeremiah relaxes a bit. “Excellent,” he proclaims while reaching into a drawer and withdrawing a thin wooden wand. “Please stand still; this will only take a moment.”</p><p> </p><p>At silent command, bluish-gray rays arc from the wand and impact all members of the group. A slight magical tingling is felt briefly, but it passes soon after and no one feels the worse for the experience. Jeremiah nods, satisfied with the deal. “Very good. The portal you seek is in the Lady’s Ward, in the doorway of a private residence at the address shown on this parchment.” The merchant scribbles an address and hands it to Montar. “Montar can take you there, and he’ll give you the parchment when you leave. The portal key is a old pipe.” Jeremiah withdraws a suitable pipe from another drawer and hands this to Trella, since she spoke first. “Make sure to keep the pipe on you, and that the last to enter the portal does so within thirty seconds after the first, or he’ll be stranded.”</p><p> </p><p>Jeremiah puts the contract into yet another drawer, stands up, and says, “Now if you don’t mind, your menagerie is frightening off potential customers. I will contact you when I am ready to complete the contract, but until then, try to keep my investments safe, if you don’t mind.” With that he ushers the party out of his establishment.</p><p> </p><p>Parchment in hand, Montar moves to stand next to Kai, leading her and the rest of the group through the labyrinthine streets of Sigil, idly making small talk all the way. Gradually the bustle of the Market Ward gives way to the elegance of the Lady’s Ward, and soon the group finds itself standing in front a four story town home, unremarkable in the midst of similar dwellings but beautiful nonetheless.</p><p> </p><p>Montar, who has been growing obviously more bored as he has traversed well-worn pathways, hands the parchment to Kai and bows deeply at the waist. “Here we are, my dear,” he says, “and here I must take my leave of you. Hopefully our next meeting is not a decade in the future.” The rogue kisses Kai’s hand—eliciting a growl from Danek—and departs, swiftly vanishing down an alley.</p><p> </p><p>Figuring that there is no time like the present and never caring much for this particular planar metropolis, Trella makes sure that the group is gathered together and steps toward the doorway, which erupts into a deep orange glow at her proximity.</p><p> </p><p>Trella steps through with little hesitation, and the remainder of the group follows close on her heels, leaving the Cage behind.</p><p> </p><p>They re-emerge in the entrance to a small cave that extends far back into the side of a mountain. To the left and right the peak curves around, yielding views of other crags, while behind the group the mountainside descends steeply to a green valley far below. The evening air is cold and clean, if a bit thin at this altitude. Above, birds of prey circle, highlighted against cirrus clouds.</p><p> </p><p>The idyllic scene is broken by Earl’s words as he sniffs the air nervously. “Trella, there’s something in this cave.”</p><p> </p><p><em>To be continued...</em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="htetickrt, post: 1366030, member: 16534"] [center]The Return[/center] Trella requests solemnly that her contract stipulates that whatever task is assigned to her will in no way contradict her druidic beliefs (including, but not limited to, the burning or harming of trees and plants, forest denizens humanoid and animal, and damage to land or land-based lower organisms). If her task is to kill Andy, she indicates that she will sign twice. Andy whispers, "Smoking hot!" Jeremiah nods in the affirmative. "While I don't know exactly what the task will be, I doubt sincerely that it will even involve a wilderness setting. As such, I have no problem adding exactly what you have stated to the contract." The merchant retrieves the contract and adds Trella's wording verbatim. Kyree looks at Trella oddly. “Have you gotten smarter?” The druid bristles. “What are you trying to say, bow-boy?” “Nothing…it’s just that, well, I never thought I’d hear you say ‘stipulate.’” “What, only full elves can use big words? I don’t recall that you had all sorts of book-learnin’.” Kyree sighs. “I wasn’t trying to start anything. I was just impressed.” Trella tries to maintain her scowl, but cannot stop her lips from twitching. “You should be. I rock. “Shut up, Andy.” Khail unleashes a big belly laugh, scaring the stuffing out of friends not used to such behavior. “Sorry,” he coughs, and then adds his own codicil that any task must not break his paladin code. Trella looks incredulous. “What paladin code? What in the Nine Hells are you talking about?” The burly paladin unconsciously pulls on his ponytail. “I have…different goals than I used to Trella. I’d thank you not to make fun.” The druid rolls her eyes. “I wasn’t…oh, whatever.” She turns her attention to a rather poorly done engraving of a Blood War battle scene, inexplicably done in mother of pearl. Jeremiah smiles at Khail. "As is already present in the contract, no evil task will be given. Further, I am prepared to add that any action undertaken will result, to the best of my understanding, in an overall decrease in both evil and chaos as compared to the alternative outcome should you not participate. The task will also leave you enough time to aid those less fortunates that you feel it necessary to help. I will put this all into the contract immediately." The merchant does just as he says. Dobi sighs wistfully at Wistamoch's departure, though he remains much amused at this huge collection of humanoids (and unicorn) that remain stuffed to the brim in Jeremiah's knickknackerie. Though his perennially unflappable countenance does not betray this, the halfling has been a bit unbalanced since emerging into this strange alien place, feeling very much like he did when he first stepped into Suzail, the hamlet-bred burrow-dweller in King Azoun's court. Placed at one end of a negotiating table, however, the diplomat feels quite at home. Dobi rubs his hands together in anticipation, hops spryly onto the closest chair so that he might be seen through the crowd, and clears his throat. "Jeremiah, your proposition is quite interesting, and a suitable starting point for discussion," Dobi glances down with a calculating gaze at the contract as it is being amended, "but you must provide certain assurances that said task required by the party of the first part, you, can be completed in a timely manner and without *undue* risk to life and limb to the party of the second part, us. "I will not submit to any agreement that may have me spending eternity as a footstool in the villa of some outerworld demon, or alternatively require us to go herding a small flock of Tarrasque." A hint of irritation crosses his face, but it quickly passes as his usual pleasant smile returns. Jeremiah places his hands out, palms up, as he responds, "These are the planes, my dear halfling; there is no guarantee of anything. I cannot indemnify you against the possibility that you could anger someone of great power and end up exactly as you do not desire to be." At these words, a shudder of remembered anger and pain passes through the Stepchildren of Fate, but they do an admirable job of maintaining their composure. Jeremiah continues, "However, I can assure you that whatever task I do assign is one which I think you might accomplish and return from reasonably intact, and I will specify this in the contract. I do not know any of you personally, save Montar who is not part of the contract, and have no motive nor desire to see harm befall any of you. Had I a job worthy of exchange for the information I am about to impart, I would simply tell you what it is now and you could judge for yourselves, but as it is I do not, and so you cannot. My meaning here is that the contract itself is a necessity to a circumstance, not part of some evil design." Kyree looks a bit uncomfortable. He says, "Actually, I don't have a pressing need to return to Toril. Could you help me find a way to Arborea?" Rubbing his right hand, he adds, "I have a promise to keep...to an old friend." Jeremiah mumbles, “I think George Lucas is going to sue somebody.” More clearly, he responds, "We can talk about a separate deal after this one, if you'd like." As Cerridwin looks over the contract, a confused look appears on her face. She offers, "I can't remember for sure, but for some reason, I have this feeling that a contract whose consideration is a future service, undetermined at the time of the formation of the contract and not subject to later negotiation, is voidable by the other party, if not void outright for vagueness. I'd have to review some notes on the subject to be sure, though." Jeremiah sighs. "So you are a scholar of the mystic contract, then? Very well, how is this: If, at the time I ask for the task to be completed, you do not want to complete it because you feel it violates the spirit of the contract, you may pay me instead the sum of 60,000 gold, deliverable within one week of my asking for it. Once the decision to pay instead has been made, you will owe an additional 10,000 gold every week after the first until your debt is paid. The geas will take effect after the first week has passed, and last until you have paid." Jeremiah writes this up and asks with somewhat less patience, "Anything else?" Dobi shrugs. "Sounds good to me." The halfling leans over and signs the document. Trella signs her contract with the addenda. Andy signs his, but more to position himself so he can see her cleavage when she signs her deal. Khail is satisfied with what he hears and lets it be known that he is willing to sign the contract. Lenara smiles and comments on his nobility before proclaiming her desire to sign as well. She stares longingly at the paladin, her intentions clear in her eyes, before he clears his throat uncomfortably. The two sign in quick succession. Kai hides a smile and signs. Danek handles the pen awkwardly but manages to print her name, blushing and scowling at the same time. While the motley crew signs, Dobi hops down from his perch and sidles up to Jeremiah with a glint in his eye, holding forth, "Well, thank you very much, Jeremiah, a pleasure doing business with you. You have quite a store here, that fertility statue reminds me of one gifted to my dear cousin Elbo of Waukeen, a missionary and anthropologist to Maztica in Toril, and traveling companion to Sage Ezra the Bloviant. The statue was created by a Plumaweaver living in the village Umarata near Nexal when he was approached by the village chief's woman…." As he speaks, Dobi attempts to fascinate Jeremiah with a lurid tale of infidelities, halfling wit, and magical accidents that led to the chief being forever known as Chief Tripod. However, whatever magic Jeremiah is using to prevent scrying of his alignment is apparently also proof against Dobi's inspired attempt. The merchant does seem vaguely amused by the tale, but the bard is experienced enough at his craft to realize that there was never even a hint of a chance that Jeremiah might fall sway to his charmed voice. Kyree notes this attempt with appreciation, but gives no outward sign for fear of tipping the group’s hand. Rhien, looking far more comfortable then he was before the monetary exit clause was inserted, signs his name in a flowing script. Taking his cue from the monk, Buttercup lumbers up to the paper and signs his name, spending a great deal of time drawing flowers in and around the letters. Jeremiah groans inwardly. Kyree waits several minutes while the party stares at him in silence, but eventually realizes that he isn’t going to get what he wants through discussion or magic and moves to sign the contract. Cerridwin shrugs and follows his lead, adding her name as well. With the formalities complete, Jeremiah relaxes a bit. “Excellent,” he proclaims while reaching into a drawer and withdrawing a thin wooden wand. “Please stand still; this will only take a moment.” At silent command, bluish-gray rays arc from the wand and impact all members of the group. A slight magical tingling is felt briefly, but it passes soon after and no one feels the worse for the experience. Jeremiah nods, satisfied with the deal. “Very good. The portal you seek is in the Lady’s Ward, in the doorway of a private residence at the address shown on this parchment.” The merchant scribbles an address and hands it to Montar. “Montar can take you there, and he’ll give you the parchment when you leave. The portal key is a old pipe.” Jeremiah withdraws a suitable pipe from another drawer and hands this to Trella, since she spoke first. “Make sure to keep the pipe on you, and that the last to enter the portal does so within thirty seconds after the first, or he’ll be stranded.” Jeremiah puts the contract into yet another drawer, stands up, and says, “Now if you don’t mind, your menagerie is frightening off potential customers. I will contact you when I am ready to complete the contract, but until then, try to keep my investments safe, if you don’t mind.” With that he ushers the party out of his establishment. Parchment in hand, Montar moves to stand next to Kai, leading her and the rest of the group through the labyrinthine streets of Sigil, idly making small talk all the way. Gradually the bustle of the Market Ward gives way to the elegance of the Lady’s Ward, and soon the group finds itself standing in front a four story town home, unremarkable in the midst of similar dwellings but beautiful nonetheless. Montar, who has been growing obviously more bored as he has traversed well-worn pathways, hands the parchment to Kai and bows deeply at the waist. “Here we are, my dear,” he says, “and here I must take my leave of you. Hopefully our next meeting is not a decade in the future.” The rogue kisses Kai’s hand—eliciting a growl from Danek—and departs, swiftly vanishing down an alley. Figuring that there is no time like the present and never caring much for this particular planar metropolis, Trella makes sure that the group is gathered together and steps toward the doorway, which erupts into a deep orange glow at her proximity. Trella steps through with little hesitation, and the remainder of the group follows close on her heels, leaving the Cage behind. They re-emerge in the entrance to a small cave that extends far back into the side of a mountain. To the left and right the peak curves around, yielding views of other crags, while behind the group the mountainside descends steeply to a green valley far below. The evening air is cold and clean, if a bit thin at this altitude. Above, birds of prey circle, highlighted against cirrus clouds. The idyllic scene is broken by Earl’s words as he sniffs the air nervously. “Trella, there’s something in this cave.” [i]To be continued...[/i] [/QUOTE]
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