Jan 9, 2020 2:22 am
OOC:
Remnant, maybe have Tronus somewhere within earshot rather than storming out completely? You may want him to hear the last bit of this hook.[IC] Death & Taxes (Session 1)
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Vintoloness seems flustered at the turn of events. "I... I didn't mean to stir anything up. I..." She sighs. "Look, if it's not clear already, I royally messed up. I didn't want the Baron to find out about my mistake, so I sent someone I thought could keep things discreet. Isle's... He's my brother-in-law. Husband of my sister. She's worried about him, and I'd like to find out why he hasn't come back." Her shoulders slump as she adds, "At the bare minimum, what I need is for you to go to this Buzzards' Ford—it is supposed to be at the edge of the swamp—and poke around about Isle and the taxes. But if the whole place has been destroyed by Goblins, or it's raising the rebel flag, I hardly expect you to win it back for the Baron." She fixes each of you in the eye one by one. "But you have a reputation for doing thorough work and for taking risks when you need to. If it comes down to a choice, bring back Isle over the taxes. I'll do what I can to pay your reward in such a case... even if it's in installments.... Should I show you the ledger, then?"
Jan 9, 2020 6:54 am
"Taking risks?" Nekurr instinctively steps back a little. "I mean, I'd personally avoid them. But let us have a look at that ledger and maybe have a quick chat with Lady Argus." The half-catfolk looks at Hildar "We probably should check a library to find information on this Buzzards' Ford first right?"
Jan 9, 2020 3:42 pm
Bruv turns back to the elf, "'Ow do yer Collectors travel when on soch an assignment? He go dere wit a 'orse an' cart? On foot? Any sort of guard?
Does 'e, or yer sister... 'ave any enemies? Or debts themselves? Clearly the Baron, and thereby 'is Representatives, moight. Any Collectors been tahgeted in da recent past?"
Does 'e, or yer sister... 'ave any enemies? Or debts themselves? Clearly the Baron, and thereby 'is Representatives, moight. Any Collectors been tahgeted in da recent past?"
Jan 10, 2020 2:22 am
[ +- ] ledger
"As part of the treasury, I have some discretion over whom I can hire to collect taxes. The reason I'm a bit worried is that my brother-in-law... Well, he hasn't been the most stable sort. Mostly just gambling, that's his vice. Was his vice, I guess. My sister tried to leave him, so he mended ways. At least it seemed like that to me. He came to me for a job, and I thought I'd give him a shot." She pauses, lost in thought for a moment. "We're a law-abiding barony for the most part. The Baron's just, so most settlements don't complain too much when tax time comes. Most of our collectors just ride out to their assignments, maybe with a bodyguard, but most not. The bandits that are about seem to be more active east of here, not south, so I don't think it's them. I hope not.."
Jan 10, 2020 9:29 am
"Bless his heart" Nekurr instinctively says as Rathin mentions Isle's stability issues. "Do you know where he used to... well, send his time?" he asks as he grabs the ledger. "Do you know if there are any good places he your... frequent, around Buzzards' Ford. Is it possible he just stopped to... eer, pay his respects to Fortuna?"
Last edited January 10, 2020 9:29 am
Jan 10, 2020 2:09 pm
Hildars hands twitch towards the ledger but he is not quick enough to grab it first. Moving he stands close to Nekur and begins waiting impatiently for a chance to study the document.
Jan 11, 2020 12:32 am
"I pray to Saint Durvin that's not what happened," the Elf says to Nekurr's suggestion. "But Tamalir's only a day's ride east If he did run off to gamble the money away." She gestures toward the book. "If you check the frontispiece, you'll find a map and see what I mean."
[ +- ] Map
Jan 12, 2020 9:44 pm
"I do not like the feeling of chasing after people with addictive habits." Nera remarks flatly, thinking back to a few of the more unsightly individuals she's met over the years.
Jan 13, 2020 1:11 am
"I agree," the woman says. "I never liked my brother-in-law much, but I do think he was doing better. It doesn't make sense that he'd just blow it all on gambling and throw away his marriage."
Jan 13, 2020 10:35 am
Noticing Hildar's impatience, Nekurr give him the ledger. "Oh yes. Gambling is like asking for Fortuna's ire. I'm sure he is ok but, I think we should still check the place.... just in case". The cleric smiles, now knowing that there is a missing village with a nearby gambling place. Best place to spread the faith! He looks around "Well. Whenever you're ready."
Also, should we hit the library to dig some records on this missing village?
OOC:
Are you letting Lady Argus on this one, or are we independent enough to take our own jobs? Also, should we hit the library to dig some records on this missing village?
Jan 13, 2020 1:54 pm
OOC:
I figure we'd at least send word if she's in town, we are taking her horse and carriage for out of town jobs so probably leave the following morning or so no?Jan 13, 2020 2:30 pm
Hildar nods in thanks to Nekur but is already starting to read through the ledger.
OOC:
Looking for anything untoward that jumps out at meJan 13, 2020 9:53 pm
"Oi moight 'ead to the loibrary, 'fore we go... do some research into 'at swamp 'at someone apparently decoided ta build a town on... Even if no one knows about the town, 'ere must be sump'in on the swamp, yea?
We 'ead out in the mornin'?"
We 'ead out in the mornin'?"
Jan 14, 2020 2:20 am
OOC:
Lady Argus is out of town, so yeah, no need to contact her. She trusts the lot of you by this point. Maybe leave a note?[ +- ] Ledger
The morning is now slipping toward noon. The Elf stands back up and gives a short bow. "I'll leave you to it then. Thank you for your help. And may the gods be with you." She heads back through the door.
OOC:
If the plan is to leave in the morning, that leaves time to do some background research. Hitting the library is a great idea. Reading the ledger will take some time, too. If you're suspicious about Vintoloness (not saying you should or shouldn't be), you could always try shadowing her. The Lower City gambling dens may have heard of this guy if you want to hit them up. The cathedrals may know about Buzzards' Ford if there are satellite churches established there. I'm open to other ideas, as well!Jan 14, 2020 3:05 am
OOC:
I can do gambling dens/bars, assuming it takes streetwise.Jan 14, 2020 8:02 am
"Well, I'm guessing Hildar over there is going to check that ledger for some hours, so we do have time to check around. " Listening to Nara's suggestions Nekurr immediately replies "I do some... clerical work downtown at times, I can go with you and search for Isle. Following Lady Rathi would be good... I think she forgot to give us those Baron writs and you never know when that may be handy. We do need to arrange for shelter. Maybe the nice priests at Durvin's know where we can fine some on our way? We can check on our friend Vizeron while there as well"
OOC:
I'm torn between gambling and visiting the nice clerics :( 
Jan 14, 2020 1:09 pm
Tronus comes back in wiping off his hands, "Carts ready, horse should be ready to leave in the morning, if you lot are done trying to shake down the client for more money anything else I should know besides unknown village that may not exist or may be rebellious/independent for the last decade or so?"
Jan 14, 2020 9:40 pm
OOC:
So far: Nera & Nekurr - shadowing the client (with backup story that she forgot to deliver the writ), then hitting up a gambling hall or two. (You two could also split up if you wanted to.)Hildar: Poring over the ledger.
Bruv: Heading to the Nornholt libary for some research.
Tronus: ?
Jan 15, 2020 3:31 am
"If it will consist of your usual Clerical work I'm going to stuff your winnings down your throat." Nera remarks to Nekurr.
As Tronus reappears she smiles softly and answers while remaining utterly unhelpful. "Not really, just some idiot family of hers who squanders his money. Tell you later."
As Tronus reappears she smiles softly and answers while remaining utterly unhelpful. "Not really, just some idiot family of hers who squanders his money. Tell you later."
Jan 15, 2020 4:07 am
"I guess I'll see if theres any merchant ts privy to trade routes out that way."
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