![>](style_images/Executiv-909/nav_m.gif)
Zork thinks hard and fast about the angle he wants to take on this. Finally he says, "Wait, you mean you have been down here so long that you have not heard of us?"
He will then tell him what we've done in bringing justice by capturing one of the wayward sword lords and asks him what he thinks about it.
Smiling while remaining standing, I reply to the tax collector, "Payment is not necessary at all. Consider it a favor freely given. An engineer is a useful acquaintance to make in the frontier."
"Please see that they each get an additional glass of what they are currently drinking Caelum. Also, please look into the cost of a room for me tonight," I send to Caelum through our link.
With a nod, Caelum slips off to carry out the two tasks.
"Ah yes - the Chief Surveyor! How is Goodman Vand doing these days? I have not seen him in months - I guess stopping by his office tomorrow would be the best route to take so I can update him." At their thanks I add, "I appreciate the thanks. It has been most invigorating exploring that region. Hmm… " I ponder aloud. "I wonder if the Swordlords will ask us to take care of that matter too."
As Caelum returns, I excuse myself to head to my room for the night. "It was a pleasure meeting you all. I wish I could stay and chat more, but I am quite weary from my travels - also I would hate to impose any further. Take care and if you are ever in the Greenbelt, feel free to visit!"
Txtrpg
"Ah so that's you!" he replies. "I did come across a rumor of some brave explorers fighting bandits to the southwest. A great service you have done to the city by stopping the bandit raids on caravans coming in. But for me, personally, my contacts are either within this city or the cities to the north. Oh, and Duma the Sly, beloved by the people of the Gronzi Forest and opponent of King Noleski.
"This is also the first time I am hearing that the Stag Lord was a Swordlord - previous rumors painted him as a cultist or a demon or a contender to the unstable throne of Brevoy. I shall note this down and investigate it for myself - I can share my finding with you for a small fee."
He takes a blank scroll and begins jotting notes.
"I just wish you hadn't brought in so many captives. You see, they will probably be punished in public like the previous group. The fear this strikes into my acquaintances and workers is terrible for business. But I will not blame you, you simply didn't know the extent of the consequences of your actions."
"It's good to meet you in person, but what can I do for you?"
Diarmadhim
"I saw good old Mallius just last week," One of the other men speaks up, he has long gray hair and a heavy brown cloak with intricate gold clasp. "He was complaining about longer hours in the office and not having time to go party or drink. He's looking forward to when this wave of work passes."
"I wouldn't worry about the River Kingdoms at all," an old lady says. "It's best to ignore them so they can continue their infighting. The last thing we want to do is incite them to band together."
Caelum returns with two ales and two wines. He relays, Single bedrooms are 5 gold with private bath and breakfast.
As you turn to leave, a middle-aged lady dressed in unadorned colourful silks decides to speak up and ask, "Did you mention you are one of the settlers sent out to the frontier? It would be prudent if we got to know each other, I think we will correspond in the near future. I can't let you leave so soon after meeting you."
Zork, finiding himself more at ease as he gets to know the rather informed man, says with more confidence, "Well, we do our job both for bounty and to rid the land of whatever evil and unjust there might be against good folk. You seem to be privy to that… so what would you say are the injustices in this city and how do you go about being patriotic about it?"
With a smile and polite bow, I reply to the lady, "The festival is in two days, yes? I would be more than happy to meet with you tomorrow. In the morning I plan on visiting Mallius and then searching for my companions, but after I will be available. Does anyone know what Mallius' favorite drink is and where it can be procured?"
Out of Character: Okay, 5 gold for my room and breakfast, I'll write that down! How much was it for the extra round of drinks for them and my meal?
Txtrpg
"As I see it," The old man replies to Zork thoughtfully. "The greatest injustice is that only the rich get richer while everyone else scrambles to make a living. All I try to do is facilitate people to take their destiny into their own hands. We are all free to do so since Aroden disappeared and all fates and prophecies were broken.
"While the rich hide behind the law, I believe that theft and blackmail are the great equalising forces. As such I provide the means for the downtrodden to do such acts and take a reasonable cut for my effort and hard work in collecting information. I have no task for you as such, it is your decision to pay for what information you want, what sort of task you're willing to perform and how much risk you want to take."
Diarmadhim
"Archerfeast festivities are actually tomorrow midday through to evening," She replies. "And the awards are in two days. I am only interested in watching the finals of the contests, so you might be able to reach me at midday. I'm also at the Swordlords' castle - Eyva Zhirin, pleased to meet you. I missed your name… "
Lismoir answers your second question. "Vand is not a picky man - I'm sure the excellent red wine they have here today will be to his taste."
Out of Character: The meal and drinks were 5.4 gold - the wine being the priciest at 1.5 a glass - and a gallon cask of it will cost 35 or they can fill a 1.5 lb bottle for 7 gold. And I'll make sure the others finish their activities for the 2nd - just in case they burn the city down…
KNtoran and Aericsteele
The guard introduces herself as Dara of Orlov. She claims that she was once the guard to the city's prince - but his coffers were too empty to even pay for food to his own royal guard. It was a job only for prestige and the shining reference ended up netting her work for a much richer patron.
One of the guards from upstairs runs in, brandishing his sap. Dara glares at him for a second and he stops saying, "Oh… I assumed - "
She cuts him off, "You assumed wrongly! Stay outside and keep watch… I swear, this job is just like babysitting sometimes… "
Zork thinks for a bit and says, "I am here with others and should not speak solely on their behalf, I will like a moment to consult with them and get back to you if that is agreeable?"
Out of Character: Once agreed Zork returns to tell the others what has been said so far and what they wish to say or do. What do you guys think? He could give us a task or we could say we are here for him.