Elliah followed Dannis down the steps, looking in wonder at the unexpected sight that lay before her. This definitely didn't bode well for her and the others. Her eyes scanned the area, looking for possible escape routes or anything of particular interest that might catch her eye.
[QUOTE="Spot"]1d20+4
19+4 = 23[/QUOTE]
((What do the buildings appear to be made of? Is there any stone to it?))
Karnakiid: Valley of Mist and Flame (Campaign Thread)
-
MistSonata
- Posts: 79
- Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 1:18 pm
- Location: Rochester NY
- Contact:
~ Character Sheets ~
- [ Elliah Airana ] - Karnakiid: Valley of Mist and Flame
- [ Allexa Felis ] - The Scarred Land of Hades
- [ Elliah Airana ] - Karnakiid: Valley of Mist and Flame
- [ Allexa Felis ] - The Scarred Land of Hades
Ehren
"I understand," she offers a slight bow, then takes a deep breath before beginning: "I know someone. Jerruk. He's one of the high ranking members of the resistance, and he's supposed to stay quiet about it, but half a dozen drinks tends to open a guy up to your every whim. He and a few other guards were in here one night and had a bit too much to drink, and he started getting very vocal about his opposition to Her Majesty. The usual talk, about how the gods didn't choose Arlenna, and the fact that they had let Arluss rule meant they were in support of him... but there was just so much conviction in his voice. I was curious to learn more."
"Several drinks later, I took him up to his room in hopes of learning more. It didn't take long; all judgment forgotten, he 'confided' in me about his secret society to overthrow the queen."
"I didn't believe him at first, and I regretted getting him so drunk... but a few days later, there was an assassination attempt on Arlenna. It failed, and the culprit was publicly executed as tradition dictates. I wasn't sure at first, but soon I recognized him as one of Jerruk's buddies."
"In his drunken rants, Jerruk had given me his address in case I wanted 'another round' (a phrase he thought was enormously clever, considering my occupation.) I checked it out, and it's legitimate the day after the execution, and it's legitimate." She scribbles down an address and hands it to you. "Here. If you want to find out where your stuff is, find Jerruk. If he's as important as he said he was, you might be in luck."
"I should go now. If you fail and Jerruk remembers me... Take care of my uncle, remember. He has a room at this inn. Second floor, fourth room on the left." Her features harden. "And if I get killed, give the asherati a good kick for me. I don't think Pelor will mind. Oh, and here." She walks into the back room for a moment, and returns with a long staff. "Just pretend you have a bad back or something and the guards should let you keep this. Just don't go hitting people with it around them. Obviously."
Elliah, Westan, and Akumo
Elliah Spot- The construction is made entirely of stone. You don't notice any alternate ways in, though you haven't seen the interior of the castle yet.
"Come on, I'll take you to a Captain. Hopefully someone's inside," Dannis informs you as he knocks on the massive wooden double-doors of the citadel.
A brief exchange occurs in the Karnakkan tongue, a language none of you are familiar with. The doors soon open, and a heavily armored man steps out. He and Dannis exchange a few more words, then turn to you.
"So, you're interested in joining us, foreigners?" His voice is heavily accented, but you can still make out severe distaste in it.
"I understand," she offers a slight bow, then takes a deep breath before beginning: "I know someone. Jerruk. He's one of the high ranking members of the resistance, and he's supposed to stay quiet about it, but half a dozen drinks tends to open a guy up to your every whim. He and a few other guards were in here one night and had a bit too much to drink, and he started getting very vocal about his opposition to Her Majesty. The usual talk, about how the gods didn't choose Arlenna, and the fact that they had let Arluss rule meant they were in support of him... but there was just so much conviction in his voice. I was curious to learn more."
"Several drinks later, I took him up to his room in hopes of learning more. It didn't take long; all judgment forgotten, he 'confided' in me about his secret society to overthrow the queen."
"I didn't believe him at first, and I regretted getting him so drunk... but a few days later, there was an assassination attempt on Arlenna. It failed, and the culprit was publicly executed as tradition dictates. I wasn't sure at first, but soon I recognized him as one of Jerruk's buddies."
"In his drunken rants, Jerruk had given me his address in case I wanted 'another round' (a phrase he thought was enormously clever, considering my occupation.) I checked it out, and it's legitimate the day after the execution, and it's legitimate." She scribbles down an address and hands it to you. "Here. If you want to find out where your stuff is, find Jerruk. If he's as important as he said he was, you might be in luck."
"I should go now. If you fail and Jerruk remembers me... Take care of my uncle, remember. He has a room at this inn. Second floor, fourth room on the left." Her features harden. "And if I get killed, give the asherati a good kick for me. I don't think Pelor will mind. Oh, and here." She walks into the back room for a moment, and returns with a long staff. "Just pretend you have a bad back or something and the guards should let you keep this. Just don't go hitting people with it around them. Obviously."
Elliah, Westan, and Akumo
Elliah Spot- The construction is made entirely of stone. You don't notice any alternate ways in, though you haven't seen the interior of the castle yet.
"Come on, I'll take you to a Captain. Hopefully someone's inside," Dannis informs you as he knocks on the massive wooden double-doors of the citadel.
A brief exchange occurs in the Karnakkan tongue, a language none of you are familiar with. The doors soon open, and a heavily armored man steps out. He and Dannis exchange a few more words, then turn to you.
"So, you're interested in joining us, foreigners?" His voice is heavily accented, but you can still make out severe distaste in it.
"Thank you, youv'e been a greater help than I could of hoped for. Forgive me for my harsh manner earlier, and may Pelor look kindly upon thee." Staff in hand, Ehren set off towards Jerruk's place. He stopped mid hobble, as a show stopping thought presented itself. Even if I reagain the Temperate Star, I can't be seen carrying it around the city, and I know of no way to smuggle it out. If I want to recover it I'll need to do it with the aid of some city officials, exactly as Shar'ra has done. If anyone is capable of enlisting their help it's her. His mind made up he made his way toward the palace.
Westan tries to hide his surprise seeing this amazing master piece of architecture and focuses on remembering anything about this strange place and link it with Karnakiid's history.Annette wrote:...
Dannis leads you all down a short ladder into an unexpected sight; rather than a dimly lit corridor or even a cave, the lower level of this hideout is a veritable fortress! An open cavern greets you, lit by numerous large floating orbs, with a huge staircase leads down from your current position. It stretches down at least 100 feet, if not more, and is by some miracle in pristine condition. At its foot is a walled citadel, stretching up to the ceiling and sporting hundreds of murder holes. It takes up the majority of the cavern, and at this distance you measure it to be at the very least 70 feet wide. The exterior is deserted, but you can all hear shouting and laughter from within.
Dannis grins at your expressions. "Turns out Karnakiid wasn't the first city out here after all," he tells you. "This place is part of what's left from an old underground empire from thousands of years ago, so far as we can figure. Most of it's fallen apart by now, of course, but this is still sturdy as the day it was made!"
Knowledge: Architecture: 1d20+3=15
Knowledge: History: 1d20+3=12
Further investigation of these low lit caverns might yield rich information for the meeting with the captain.
Listen: 1d20+0=9
Listen: 1d20+0=18
Spot: 1d20+0=13
Spot: 1d20+0=19
As soon as the captain speaks Westan notices his strange accent, but decides to overlook his blunt opening and try to change his mood a bit,Annette wrote:...
"Come on, I'll take you to a Captain. Hopefully someone's inside," Dannis informs you as he knocks on the massive wooden double-doors of the citadel.
A brief exchange occurs in the Karnakkan tongue, a language none of you are familiar with. The doors soon open, and a heavily armored man steps out. He and Dannis exchange a few more words, then turn to you.
"So, you're interested in joining us, foreigners?" His voice is heavily accented, but you can still make out severe distaste in it.
We come as friends and sympathize with your cause. A murder is such a low act than nothing can justify it. According to the local laws the murderer should be swiftly executed in the public square. Law should be the same for everyone.
Diplomacy: 1d20-1=11
Westan continues trying to convince him that the support of his small group is important for their cause and they might reap benefits from this,
We are mercenaries supporting causes that yield most benefits to us. In a city like Karnakiid your rightful actions might be somewhat hindered by the fact that you are wearing the official flag. On the other hand a small group of mercenaries could easier infiltrate and perform specific tasks. You should have little problem giving us the weapons and the necessary permit to use them. No one knows us so it's impossible to link us with your group. If you still don't trust us maybe a small mission could change your first impression of us. So, do you have a job for us?
Bluff: 1d20-1=16
Nordak Rockhoof - HP:10/23, AC17/T10/F17, Init.:+0/20ft., Save:F7/R0/W2, Att.:+4(1+4STR-1PA)
Westan Krest - HP:10/10, AC15/T12/F13, Init.:+2/20ft., Save:F4/R2/W2, Att.:+2(1+2STR-1PA)
Tools: Dice Roller
Westan Krest - HP:10/10, AC15/T12/F13, Init.:+2/20ft., Save:F4/R2/W2, Att.:+2(1+2STR-1PA)
Tools: Dice Roller
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MistSonata
- Posts: 79
- Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 1:18 pm
- Location: Rochester NY
- Contact:
Elliah turned to the man in armor who was addressing them, listening carefully to Westan as he spoke. "Indeed," she added, "but I do believe ser Dannis has meant for us to be inspected first. Although, I'm not exactly sure what the inspection is for." She then turned back to the captain, "Perhaps you could enlighten us, good ser?"
~ Character Sheets ~
- [ Elliah Airana ] - Karnakiid: Valley of Mist and Flame
- [ Allexa Felis ] - The Scarred Land of Hades
- [ Elliah Airana ] - Karnakiid: Valley of Mist and Flame
- [ Allexa Felis ] - The Scarred Land of Hades
-
kozeph
- Posts: 463
- Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:03 am
- Location: left of the abyss next to a mcdonalds
- Contact:
"What he said" Akumo speaks out and makes a very audiable sniff.
Should they start an inspection for weapons, Akumo will raise his arms. Should a guard's hand get too close to Akumo right wrist (the one with the hidden blade) Akumo will fake a sneeze and twist his wrist out of any search attempt.
Bluff 16-1=15
Sleight of hand 14+7=21
"Yes if you can trust us, we very much like some arms and stuff to help with the cause and doing what we mercenaries do best"
Diplomacy 11-1=10
Should they start an inspection for weapons, Akumo will raise his arms. Should a guard's hand get too close to Akumo right wrist (the one with the hidden blade) Akumo will fake a sneeze and twist his wrist out of any search attempt.
Bluff 16-1=15
Sleight of hand 14+7=21
"Yes if you can trust us, we very much like some arms and stuff to help with the cause and doing what we mercenaries do best"
Diplomacy 11-1=10
Have you seen my brain around here? No? well in case you see it its brainy and squishy looking. If you see it let me know
Ehren
As you arrive at the palace, come upon a large group of heavily armed guards, seemingly preparing for battle. You are not entirely surprised when you see an all-too familiar asherati speaking with he captain at their head...
Shar'ra
Spot- You notice Ehren as soon as he walks into the atrium, where the guards are preparing to march.
Westan, Akumo, and Elliah
Westan Knowledge (architecture)- You recognize the masonry as dwarven work, but not contemporary. It reminds you of pictures you once saw in a book of a dwarven temple back during the Locasthian Empire.
Westan Knowldege (history)- So far as you can remember, there are no records of a dwarven empire in this area. Other than the occassional asherati tribe, their was no life here until Karna's arrival before Locasthia's fall.
Westan Listen- Other than footsteps inside the keep, you hear nothing out of the ordinary. The sounds of above are just barely audible.
Westan Spot- You notice a surprising lack of archers manning the murder holes above you. Perhaps these loyalists trust you more than you had anticipated?
Westan Diplomacy/Bluff (+2 circumstance on Bluff check from Elliah)- At Westan and Elliah's words, the man's frown dissipates some. "I am the inspector," he says, and offers a bow as he continues. "I am Captain Movahn, leader of this division of the Resistance... and half-brother of Queen Arlenna." After waiting a moment for that to sink in, he continues. "You have a valid point, human," he tells Westan, "but that may alos prove to be an advantage. As recognizable guards, we will likely be able to get to our targets without difficulty. All the same, we cannot afford to turn down help."
"You are correct when you say you will need weapons, Fire-hair," he addresses Akumo. "If you all give your oath that you will serve the Loyalists without question, then I will return your weapons to you. I assume we have them?"
Dannis interrupts him. "Sir, are you sure that's wise? This lot may just tell Varrynn where we are."
"It's a chance we must take, lieutenant. These people are clearly capable; look how easily one of them has smuggled in a knife." He smiles wryly at Akumo (Sleight of Hand=21 vs Spot 1d20+5=22).
Dannis stares. "Sir, the fact that one of them brought a knife really isn't a good method of deciding whether or not to trust people. Unless it's the 'not trust' part, in which case it's a very good reason."
Movahn silences him with a fierce glare. "Enough, Dannis! Please, take these recruits to the armory... as soon as they've made their oath."
As you arrive at the palace, come upon a large group of heavily armed guards, seemingly preparing for battle. You are not entirely surprised when you see an all-too familiar asherati speaking with he captain at their head...
Shar'ra
Spot- You notice Ehren as soon as he walks into the atrium, where the guards are preparing to march.
Westan, Akumo, and Elliah
Westan Knowledge (architecture)- You recognize the masonry as dwarven work, but not contemporary. It reminds you of pictures you once saw in a book of a dwarven temple back during the Locasthian Empire.
Westan Knowldege (history)- So far as you can remember, there are no records of a dwarven empire in this area. Other than the occassional asherati tribe, their was no life here until Karna's arrival before Locasthia's fall.
Westan Listen- Other than footsteps inside the keep, you hear nothing out of the ordinary. The sounds of above are just barely audible.
Westan Spot- You notice a surprising lack of archers manning the murder holes above you. Perhaps these loyalists trust you more than you had anticipated?
Westan Diplomacy/Bluff (+2 circumstance on Bluff check from Elliah)- At Westan and Elliah's words, the man's frown dissipates some. "I am the inspector," he says, and offers a bow as he continues. "I am Captain Movahn, leader of this division of the Resistance... and half-brother of Queen Arlenna." After waiting a moment for that to sink in, he continues. "You have a valid point, human," he tells Westan, "but that may alos prove to be an advantage. As recognizable guards, we will likely be able to get to our targets without difficulty. All the same, we cannot afford to turn down help."
"You are correct when you say you will need weapons, Fire-hair," he addresses Akumo. "If you all give your oath that you will serve the Loyalists without question, then I will return your weapons to you. I assume we have them?"
Dannis interrupts him. "Sir, are you sure that's wise? This lot may just tell Varrynn where we are."
"It's a chance we must take, lieutenant. These people are clearly capable; look how easily one of them has smuggled in a knife." He smiles wryly at Akumo (Sleight of Hand=21 vs Spot 1d20+5=22).
Dannis stares. "Sir, the fact that one of them brought a knife really isn't a good method of deciding whether or not to trust people. Unless it's the 'not trust' part, in which case it's a very good reason."
Movahn silences him with a fierce glare. "Enough, Dannis! Please, take these recruits to the armory... as soon as they've made their oath."
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Siberys
- Posts: 6207
- Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 7:16 pm
- Location: I live in that one place with the thing
- Contact:
As I talk with the captain, I point to Ehren- "That's him sir, the man who's weapon started this unfortunate series of happenings.
While I had to keep him out of the loop due to his temper, now that we are preparing for an assault I imagine he will be far more useful to us, if you would permit it of course."
While I had to keep him out of the loop due to his temper, now that we are preparing for an assault I imagine he will be far more useful to us, if you would permit it of course."
Listen up maggots, Mr. Popo's 'bout to teach you the pecking order.
It goes you, the dirt, the worms inside of the dirt, Popo's stool, Kami, then Popo.
~Mr. Popo, Dragonball Z Abridged
It goes you, the dirt, the worms inside of the dirt, Popo's stool, Kami, then Popo.
~Mr. Popo, Dragonball Z Abridged
-
Siberys
- Posts: 6207
- Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 7:16 pm
- Location: I live in that one place with the thing
- Contact:
"I will save my words for after the battle, and tell him to do the same. I'm sure we have much to discuss thanks to my trickery but for now, I shall focus on aiding you," I say to the Captain.
Listen up maggots, Mr. Popo's 'bout to teach you the pecking order.
It goes you, the dirt, the worms inside of the dirt, Popo's stool, Kami, then Popo.
~Mr. Popo, Dragonball Z Abridged
It goes you, the dirt, the worms inside of the dirt, Popo's stool, Kami, then Popo.
~Mr. Popo, Dragonball Z Abridged
Shar'ra
"Thank you," he responds. "I'll speak to him now, then, if you think he can help."
He walks over to where Ehren is standing.
Ehren
"Hail," the captain greets you. "I'll keep this brief; we're preparing to mount an attack on the Loyalist hideout that I'm sure you've heard of, and your friend tells me that you might come in handy. I'd like you to join us, but only if you and Shar'ra can wait to sort out your differences until after the battle. Will you help?"
"Thank you," he responds. "I'll speak to him now, then, if you think he can help."
He walks over to where Ehren is standing.
Ehren
"Hail," the captain greets you. "I'll keep this brief; we're preparing to mount an attack on the Loyalist hideout that I'm sure you've heard of, and your friend tells me that you might come in handy. I'd like you to join us, but only if you and Shar'ra can wait to sort out your differences until after the battle. Will you help?"
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kozeph
- Posts: 463
- Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:03 am
- Location: left of the abyss next to a mcdonalds
- Contact:
Akumo smiles while Captain Movahn speaks out trusting the band, to Akumo this was rather anti climatic, but it worked so all was good.
When Movahn pointed out that Akumo had a hidden blade, the red haired dwarf couldn't help but gasp in surprise, then instantly turn his shock into laughter.
"Bwahhaha, Ye be the first human to notice that I carry a cutter! Bwhahaha no offense to yer guards, but still good eyes ye got! I like you already Bwhahahaha"
Akumo is sincere about his outburst, he liked the Captain shame that liking didn't meant that Akumo would stick by him when things got tough.
"So, what manner of oath are we talking about, hope is not one of those slit your palm kind of oath my hands are my tools after all Bwahah"
When Movahn pointed out that Akumo had a hidden blade, the red haired dwarf couldn't help but gasp in surprise, then instantly turn his shock into laughter.
"Bwahhaha, Ye be the first human to notice that I carry a cutter! Bwhahaha no offense to yer guards, but still good eyes ye got! I like you already Bwhahahaha"
Akumo is sincere about his outburst, he liked the Captain shame that liking didn't meant that Akumo would stick by him when things got tough.
"So, what manner of oath are we talking about, hope is not one of those slit your palm kind of oath my hands are my tools after all Bwahah"
Have you seen my brain around here? No? well in case you see it its brainy and squishy looking. If you see it let me know
"Greetings, captain." Replied Ehren, offering a slight bow."I can assure you I'll be a liability to no man, and although I'm skilled in the ways of combat, I feel I will be much more effective if I were allowed to channel the divine powers Pelor has granted me. I could save lives, or make your toughest warrior double in size. What say you?""Hail," the captain greets you. "I'll keep this brief; we're preparing to mount an attack on the Loyalist hideout that I'm sure you've heard of, and your friend tells me that you might come in handy. I'd like you to join us, but only if you and Shar'ra can wait to sort out your differences until after the battle. Will you help?"
-
Siberys
- Posts: 6207
- Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 7:16 pm
- Location: I live in that one place with the thing
- Contact:
I pull Ehren aside for a moment, "Listen, I realize what I did was despicable and while I have my reasons for it, I do apologize and accept full responsibility for it.
I'll do my best to make it up to you after the battle, I am not entirely without honor. Until then, we should do our best to work together in this with no grudge or hatred."
I'll do my best to make it up to you after the battle, I am not entirely without honor. Until then, we should do our best to work together in this with no grudge or hatred."
Listen up maggots, Mr. Popo's 'bout to teach you the pecking order.
It goes you, the dirt, the worms inside of the dirt, Popo's stool, Kami, then Popo.
~Mr. Popo, Dragonball Z Abridged
It goes you, the dirt, the worms inside of the dirt, Popo's stool, Kami, then Popo.
~Mr. Popo, Dragonball Z Abridged
"You assumed the worst, as you are doing now. We will have words afterwards, for now we are comrades. Also, here are the tools you sent me to pick up" Ehren drops some caltrops, a crowbar, a signal whistle, a hammer and a few pitons, and a grappling hook at Shar'ra's feet. "I don't feel like lugging that lot into battle, wouldn't know what to do with it. Here's the change." Handing over 4gp95sp, Ehren turns and heads into the armory. He puts on some chainmail (or scalemail if they don't have it) and grabs a light crossbow with 20 bolts from the weapon rack. He picked up one of the Karnakan style morningstars but the grip didn't feel right, the weight and length of the shaft out of proportion. He decided on keeping the quarter staff the serving girl had given him for any close encounters. After donning his equipment he returns outside and waits for the mission to begin.I pull Ehren aside for a moment, "Listen, I realize what I did was despicable and while I have my reasons for it, I do apologize and accept full responsibility for it.
I'll do my best to make it up to you after the battle, I am not entirely without honor. Until then, we should do our best to work together in this with no grudge or hatred."
OOC: Annette: I'm a bit unclear as to whether the captain is ok with me casting spells?
Westan was still pondering in his mind the implications of the dwarven stonework in this area when the captain noticed Akumo's hidden blade. He couldn't help but notice the lack of troops at key positions while they were walking up to his quarters, though from the captain's speech he started to think that the loyalists might be less in numbers that even them want to believe.Annette wrote:...
At Westan and Elliah's words, the man's frown dissipates some. "I am the inspector," he says, and offers a bow as he continues. "I am Captain Movahn, leader of this division of the Resistance... and half-brother of Queen Arlenna." After waiting a moment for that to sink in, he continues. "You have a valid point, human," he tells Westan, "but that may alos prove to be an advantage. As recognizable guards, we will likely be able to get to our targets without difficulty. All the same, we cannot afford to turn down help."
"You are correct when you say you will need weapons, Fire-hair," he addresses Akumo. "If you all give your oath that you will serve the Loyalists without question, then I will return your weapons to you. I assume we have them?"
...
Movahn silences him with a fierce glare. "Enough, Dannis! Please, take these recruits to the armory... as soon as they've made their oath."
Hearing the captain's introduction, Westan couldn't stop but smile and waited for him to finish before speaking,
Even though at this moment you are trusted guards in the palace you certainly cannot afford to blow your disguise by doing any hostile actions until you are sure you mustered enough power to simply remove the opposition. Any suspicion on your men would hamper your efforts by a huge margin.
When he heard about the oath, Westan slightly nods, but he obviously doesn't agree with the captain's views,
Dear Captain Movahn, do not mistake us for your loyal troops. We are here to fill the gap in your own troops, but on the other hand we are looking for profit. So let'stalk about what are your plans for us. Then you can continue with our rewards in coins, maybe a valuable artifact or even a map that could lead us to some sure gains. Afterwards some weapons and the permit to display them would be useful for the task you have in mind.
Bluff/Diplomacy: 1d20-1=16
Nordak Rockhoof - HP:10/23, AC17/T10/F17, Init.:+0/20ft., Save:F7/R0/W2, Att.:+4(1+4STR-1PA)
Westan Krest - HP:10/10, AC15/T12/F13, Init.:+2/20ft., Save:F4/R2/W2, Att.:+2(1+2STR-1PA)
Tools: Dice Roller
Westan Krest - HP:10/10, AC15/T12/F13, Init.:+2/20ft., Save:F4/R2/W2, Att.:+2(1+2STR-1PA)
Tools: Dice Roller
Westan
Diplomacy/Bluff "Very well," he says, drawing a pile of papers from a satchel. "I'll sign three of these, then you can fill in your information. I'm afirad we don't have any treasure maps laying around though." He offers a smile, evidently assuming you were jesting. "We can, however, work out your payment. You must understand that you will receive nothing yet; not until the tyrant has been slain and rightful ruler-ship restored will we be able to refund your efforts. I hope this is not a problem?"
Ehren and Shar'ra
(Is your conversation complete? Right now Ehren is ready, but so far as I can tell, Shar'ra has yet to say whether or not they can begin.)
Diplomacy/Bluff "Very well," he says, drawing a pile of papers from a satchel. "I'll sign three of these, then you can fill in your information. I'm afirad we don't have any treasure maps laying around though." He offers a smile, evidently assuming you were jesting. "We can, however, work out your payment. You must understand that you will receive nothing yet; not until the tyrant has been slain and rightful ruler-ship restored will we be able to refund your efforts. I hope this is not a problem?"
Ehren and Shar'ra
(Is your conversation complete? Right now Ehren is ready, but so far as I can tell, Shar'ra has yet to say whether or not they can begin.)