He looked around for Darvin and soon found him. His date's ghastly purple dress stood out in the crowd. He wandered over to them.
"Darvin, friend. I hate to pry you away from your lovely date, but I require a private word with you."
They stepped away from the crowd for a bit.
"I did as you asked, but Nym was already very drunk. Something is bothering her, but Evalaen took her out of Jere so she could revel and not draw so much attention to herself. I believe as of now, we are all set for your presentation."
"And you?" Darvin motioned to Talathel's mug. Once again, Talathel felt the sting of his past.
"Thanks for the reminder. I am out of milk." He gave a laugh and looked for someone new to talk to.
I posted the above so as not to cause any confusion as to where Darvin's post was starting. We may think of doing from now on. On another note here is what Shandri looks like and Darvin's outfit for the evening. Unlike the mannequin, Darvin is wearing a shirt.
Darvin nodded to Talathel as he left. He took Shandri's arm and led her into the grand ballroom. It certainly lived up to the name. It had high vaulted ceilings with ornate chandeliers hanging down. It was undoubtedly just as impressive from the outside with the floor to ceiling windows lit up.
He looked around the room until he found Shandri's father, Orlando, standing next to the punch bowl. He was finishing up a conversation and getting dangerously low on punch.
Darvin looked to Shandri, "My dear, if you'll excuse me, I have to go talk to your father."
"Darvin, you aren't going to talk to him without me. You're going to need me if you want him to pay off your lien," she replied with an amused smirk on her face.
"How did you know about that?" Darvin asked dumbfounded.
"Darvin, sweetie, everyone in town knows about the lien. Also, everyone in town knows what you have been doing on that ship for the last three years. And if they didn't earlier they know now after that half-elf's outburst."
Darvin stared at her. He didn't know what to say. He thought she had no idea of any of it. Finally, he managed to stammer, "And yet you are helping me?"
"Well, it was once a nice ship. It deserves to be again. Plus, you're no good to me drunk and depressed."
Once again Darvin didn't know what to say. He had hardly spent any time with this woman. Yet she was trying to help him even though she was fully aware of his sordid past. "We only spent the one night together. Why are you going to all this trouble?"
She laughed at him and said, "Two reasons. One, I needed a date to the ball. You were obviously available. And two, there is a lot of good in you Darvin Amblecrown. I could see it that night. I can see it now. My father would call it untapped potential."
Darvin nodded, "Thank you for the kind words, they have been few and far between lately. And tha..."
"Don't thank me for that yet. We have yet to speak with him. My father loves nothing more than his only daughter, but his own money is a close second and getting him to part with it won't be easy."
He nodded to her. This woman had him absolutely spellbound. He was not overcome with lust, as would have been the case over the last three years. Granted, Shandri was a beauty, more than a few heads had turned as they walked in. Instead, Darvin looked at her with feelings of respect and gratitude.
He led her over to the punch bowl where he got his date and himself a glass, while also grabbing an extra one. Then he approached her father. Shandri held back but was close enough to hear the conversation and interject if need be.
"Lord Greycastle, it appears you are low on punch. Hopefully this helps," Darvin said as he offered the glass to Orlando.
"Thank you, but I doubt you came over here just to quench my thirst."
"Yes sir, I was hoping we could continue our conversation from earlier." Darvin replied.
Diplomacy
Roll(1d20)+8:
20,+8
Total:28
Holy balls! I'm doomed when we actually start fighting things.
Orlando looked gruffly at him. "Well, I'll admit you clean up nicely. My daughter and to think you have potential, and other than that other half elf the crew of the Lady Narath has been impressive. Even her forthright nature was enjoyable." He narrowed his eyes. "So, you want me to fund your venture. Your leader have a nice speech about that just a moment ago. I like the idea of fighting pirates, but I need a bit more before I'm willing to finance your privateering."
ReplyDeleteDarvin nodded his understanding at Orlando. "Well Sir, not only would we be fighting pirates but we would be doing so in the name of the House Greycastle. I can't think of anything that could be better for your shipping business. It helps you in two ways, one, we remove the pirates from the seas and, two, people will hear of your good deeds and a result bring more business too you. This has the ability to pay for itself many times over."
ReplyDeleteOrlando nodded, "I understand that, but as your friend so kindly pointed out, I'm likely to be pressed by the city to contribute to the new flotilla. Why not simply put my trust in them. What are you offering from your end? An agreed share of the treasure, a percentage of profits?"
ReplyDeleteDarvin had not even thought about treasure or profits, he was just concerned about getting the ship back. He also was pretty sure, other than Johan, that his companions were not overly motivated by money.
ReplyDelete"I'm sure we could find a financial agreement that we both would find beneficial. I could see us giving you 25% of all treasure and spoils."
"Twenty five percent of your gross profits?" He moved his fingers across his lips. "That might work. Why don't you talk with your fellows should I talk with mine." He said nodding toward his daughter.
ReplyDelete"Very good, Sir." Darvin replied. He quickly moved to to find Beranhond. He found the Paladin/Cleric/City Councilman still in the entrance talking to many of the hoity toits of Baldur's Gate. Darvin waited for a lull in conversation and then approached his friend.
ReplyDelete"Orlando Greycastle will finance the lien and the expedition if we agree to fly his flag and give him 25% of our profits. I think we should take it but I bring it to you first," Darvin said discretely.
Beranhond pursed his lips. "Hmm, 25 percent net, or gross? Because that could be very dangerous. Also, did you find out what he meant by "fund the expedition?" Does that mean the piracy, the lien, our quest up to get some treasure? Is he willing to pay the refurbishment..." Beranhond continued on for a moment with a list of qualifications that Darvin might want to double check first.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it's been so long since I posted. Track started this week.
ReplyDeleteDarvin realized in his excitement about getting the ship back he hadn't really made a great deal or thought that much about it.
"These are good points, friend. I think it would be best if you accompany me back to Orlando. I believe the two of us can work out a favorable deal."
Beranhond nodded and started to follow. However, before they reached Orlando one of the council members rushed over and quickly escorted Beranhond over to the council table.
ReplyDeleteA logical move, but I'm not going to negotiate with myself again!
Darvin sighed as Beranhond was taken off to the council table. He could go look for another one of his companions but he was sure they were all busy with their own side quests. Darvin made his way back to Orlando and Shandri.
ReplyDelete"Sir, I have spoken with my associate and I have an amendment to the previous offer and a few questions." Orlando looked at Darvin askance but did not say anything and waited for him to continue.
"Are you willing to finance both the financial troubles we have found ourselves in as well as the refurbishment of the ship? And to amend the previous offer, we are willing to give you 25% of our net profits. I do hope you find this offer reasonable," Darvin said. He appeared confident on the outside but he was a bundle of nerves on the inside.
I assume the diplomacy roll I did for the post still applies because it is the same evening and, essentially, the same negotiation
Orlando regions with a counter offer:
ReplyDelete25 of net
Initially up to the thousand for repairs, but that money can't be used to post off the lien as that would put him into a difficult position in respect to the syndicate.
More money for further expeditions can be made available after some treasure and/or loot has been found.
Has Evelean returned to the ball with Nym's lien contribution yet?
ReplyDeleteBeranhond struggled to stifle his eye rolls as the city council pandered to his sensibilities. After about twenty minutes of this Evelaen returned and managed to pull him away.
ReplyDelete"So, I let Nym go her own way, but I suspect that she wasn't going to be all that manageable after a bit too. She can handle herself.
"Well, yes, she always has, but that's usually gotten her into more problems." He shrugged his shoulder. "Anyway, it's not my problem tonight - I'm having to babysit too many people."
"Oh come on, you love being in charge. I bet you miss being a hired sword general for a legion."
"Stop it." He said catching her eyes. Still, he smirked and led her across the dance floor.
"Are all half-elves so innocent? I think Nym's face could have been used for a forge the last few days."
"Well, she's somewhat innocent. I get the feeling that her family just didn't talk about such things."
He swept her across the floor gliding gracefully as the string orchestra continues to play. Her dress swirled around her as he manuvered her abut the floor.
"Well, she's raised a decent amount toward the lien, is the council playing along?"
"Yes, for a group that was so grumpy earlier they now are talking about pushing me toward running for a council position. I'm trying to argue that I'm best used as part of the flotilla. Still, Darvin is optimistic that he can get some funding to fix the ship. Johan is..." He glanced up at the upper balcony where Johan was flirting with the woman in red.
He didn't say anything for a moment as he continued to circle her about the floor.
"So, things are looking up. I think we'll be able to pay the lien get repairs started and then seek some treasure to help jumpstart our expedition."
"Agreed."
ReplyDeleteOrlando frowned, but nodded. "I think I'm going to lose money on this deal, but my daughter, whom I adore..." He said glaring at Darvin. "Seems to think you have potential."
Darvin couldn't help grinning.
"I'll have the contract drawn up by my clerk." He said motioning back to one of his henchmen behind him. "Wait a moment and we can get this thing signed."
"Father." Shandri said interjecting. "Darvin owes me a dance, he can sign when he gets back." Before Orlando could respond, Shandri grabbed Darvin and dragged him to the dance floor.
As they danced Darvin worked up the nerves to ask his plan.
"So, I think I'll come along when you guys leave."
"Wait... what?" Darvin asked in surprise.
"Yes, I think you could use a bit more of a crew, I need a bit of adventure, and I could keep an eye on my father's investment.
"Well, it won't be the most comfortable." Darvin said as he twirled her about the floor. "Are you sure you want to come along?"
Shandri smiled, moving closer to him. "Yes, you might not realize this, but I think you have a lot of potential. I think something good could come out of this whole situation."
Darvin, thinking that this was going someplace interesting started to learn forward to kiss her, but before he could Talathel showed up at his side.
"Darvin, a moment?"
Darvin groaned, "Could you excuse me for a moment Shandri?"
She nodded, smirking a bit, as she made her way back to her father's table. Darvin's eyes followed her for a moment before turning to his friend.
"What is it?" He said more exasperatedly than he intended.
"I met a delightful half-elf that I'd like to bring along."
"Oh that's fine."
"She's quite fun."
"Oh, that's... fine... wait?" Darvin's eyes shot open. "Um, yes, I'm actually bringing along a talented woman myself."
"I'd say I was surprised but..." Talathel begin.
"Fine, fine. Let's just not tell Beranhond, he might think we're using the ship to pick up dates."
"That's probably not a bad idea. Though, Evelaen seems to have him quite distracted."
Across the room Beranhond noticed Talathel and Darvin talking.
ReplyDelete"Ugh, I don't want to know... don't want to know."
"Diamonds!" Evelaen said laughing. "It'll be fine. They are probably just trying to arrange a foursome.
Beranhond had an unfortunate image of Darvin, Talathel, and two elves in a bedroom.
"Hmmm, it'd probably be super esoteric. Elves like esoteric sex right?"
"Probably." Evelaen said laughing. "But, you should probably go and talk to the city council. They keep trying to get your attention.
Beranhond sighed, but left Evelaen to her own devices before making his way over to the council section.