Scoundrel. Gotta steal all the gold!

>Mary de Loress

Mary de Loress

Bard mode activated

Mary de Loress
HP: 6SP: 20Dodge: 3Armor: 0
Strength: 1
Endurance: 2
Agility: 3
Perception: 3
Wit: 5
Will: 4
Virtue: Steady Mind
Vice: Hunger for Knowledge

Scholar
"The mysteries of the world shall be laid bare before me."
Scholars are hunters of lore, both mundane and occult. Though years of reading books has sharpened mind and prepared them for the horrors ahead, the same can not be said for their bodies. All scholars can activate the simpler spells, both Arcane and Divine, though they cannot wear armor or wield much more than a dagger or staff.

---

The dreary atmosphere had taken hold as the cart had crossed the Black River little more than a mile back. It was if the sun had been swallowed up by some great cloudy beast. Despite the ill reputation, it had been remarkably easy to find passage to the dungeon town, if only because only one man apparently made the journey, like clockwork, every other day. Others shared the cart with me, most of them hopeful treasure seekers or grim faced adventurers. A far cry from myself, dress as I was in simple traveling clothes, hardly a thing to my name. Only a small pouch of gold and the little trinket I had found tucked within the pages of that musty old tome.

I draw the pendant from my clothing, feeling its smooth surface beneath my fingers. It is a claw fashioned from smooth silver, clutching within it a n orb of onyx. I have little knowledge of its workings, but the very tome I took it from calls it a protective charm, a guiding hand within the darkest places. I can think of no darker place than the dungeon depths, and more importantly, my father and his lackeys will be ill inclined to follow to such a dangerous place. So long as I am careful, perhaps I could even find ancient tomes and lost lore hidden within.

My thoughts are interrupted as a shout rings out, and I tuck the pendant away as I look at my surroundings. We have arrived at the wall, it seems, guards dragging the heavy wood doors apart to allow the cart entry. Within is the hustle of daily activity, most everyone on their way to do something somewhere else. I can pick out among the crowds, however, a much higher concentration of those carrying arms and armor, likely others who seek to plumb the dungeon for riches. They can have them, as far as I am concerned, I seek a different treasure.

The cart pulls to a stop in the town square, and I hear, among other things, the murmurs of those around us. Most seem to classify us as new meat, or dungeon fodder, a few even saying I must be a new pleasure girl. I detest the appellation, but I suppose I shall be stuck with it till it is proven otherwise, one way or another.

I soon find myself standing alone, the cart having moved on and the other occupants disappearing into the crowds. I spare a moment to consider what little I had managed to dig up on towns such as these, both from books and from word of mouth. Taverns are the main meeting places for anyone seeking to enter a dungeon, as what better place to spend gold and recover from a days work, both physically and mentally. There are various shops about as well, including the Armory and General Store. Of course, for one such as myself, there is the need for less common goods, and though they may not advertise the fact, Bookstores will almost always have spells for sale. Anywhere else would be pointless for me to go for the moment, though perhaps later their use will become apparent.

>Where shall I go first?
Gold: 100

>Note: Character information, such as Virtue and Vice, shall be explained in a note, such as this, when they become relevant.

Are you only carrying the clothes on your back, your purse, and the pendant?

Basic supplies from the general store would seem the most pressing, then. Although exactly what items we need or can do without may depend on what spells you have memorized.

After a short walk, I find myself within the general store. It has a few other patrons, most of which give me a glance than leave me to my business. One man, however, seated behind a counter, seems to light up at my presence, so much so that I am fairly certain he is the owner. With no hesitation whatsoever, he calls out to me, probably smelling gold.

"Welcome, welcome! I am Restan, and this is my shop! And you, my dear, are looking for supplies, yes? A little delve into the dungeons in your future? Don't worry, my dear, not one bit. I have all you need. So much so, that I have a little kits put together, just for fresh young faces such as yourself! Comes with everything you might need.

"A bag, always useful for carrying things you might find. Water skin, water is ever so important in the depths, after all. A few rations, for those emergencies when you can't make it back out before dark. Bedroll, a keyring, a small collection of torches, flint and steel, rope, everything here. Only a measly 30 Gold. An excellent price, and one you won't find elsewhere!

"Of course... we know what you are, yes?" Restan leans forward conspiratorially. "You are looking for something a bit more... magical, yes? The bookstore may have what you need, but I could be persuaded to offer you a better deal, hm? Why, you'd practically be stealing it from me. I have in my possesion a proper Spell Tome, even has a few spells within, hm? Perfect for carrying any more you might find or purchase as well. I could be convinced to part with it for, oh... another 60 Gold..."

This man, verbose though he may be, certainly seems intent on getting the sale. Not surprising, merchants in my experience are always looking for more gold. I can only imagine the need for it here, so close to a dungeon. Still, I'm not sure how I feel about divesting myself of 90 gold...

>What shall I do?

>Note: Magic is anathema to the mortal mind, defying everything our sanity tells us is real and making it virtually impossible to memorize them safely. Spells require two components to function, the spell itself, generally written onto parchment, and spending points of Sanity. The spell is consumed upon use, its parchment burning up as the spell activates, requiring more Spell Pages to be acquired, either from a store or from looting. It is possible to learn to scribe Spell Pages for oneself.

>>816276
Politely tell the man you'll come back later. Look at the other shops first, I doubt the general store can sell you a book deal better than the bookstore can.

Blowing 90% of your funds in the first shop isn't ideal. (Especially since you still need to cover room and board).

Do you have a spell tome or any spell pages in your possession currently? If not, you're a mage who can't cast spells, which puts you at a considerable disadvantage.

Basic survival supplies and the ability to use your main advantage are pretty crucial before entering a dungeon, and I suspect we may have to eat these costs. Window shopping around the other shops before we make a final decision on what to spend isn't the worst idea.

Also, assuming prices aren't fixed here, you might be able to barter him down a bit from 90 gold. Presumably out of towners who are not expected to live long in the dungeon get bilked by the shop owners. No charisma stat given, but wit and will should be pertinent to haggling.

I politely decline the offer, for now anyway, saying I'd rather take a look around before making any decision. I have precious little gold to be spending without doing so, and more importantly, I require spell pages to be capable of contributing. It has quickly become apparent that I may have to deal with having little to spend overall, but I suppose that may be mitigated somewhat by the spoils taken from the dungeon itself. The cursed place would not attract so many to it if it did not offer such reward for the danger. I could also attempt to barter, it is practically expected in some places, though I'm not certain how a shop serving heroes

I make my way to the bookshop next, entering the much quieter and less populated shop. There's the tiny tinkle of a bell, hanging above the shop door, but I hardly notice as my gaze takes in all the books. Most are placed carefully within shelves, while others are placed in small neat piles alone the walls, likely awaiting proper placement. To me, the sheer volume and, from the look of things, wide number of topics was enough to have me enraptured. From between two shelves an older man appears, spectacles placed carefully upon his nose. He regards me coolly for a moment before addressing me, his tone clearly unimpressed, though polite.

"Hello and welcome. I am Barnabus, owner and operator of this fine establishment. Is there anything in particular I can help you with?"

"Yes, I... is that a copy of Theories of Influence?"

The book catches my attention, and I can't help but step up to it, finger tracing the spine reverently. The writer, one Howard Mayweather, goes into great detail on the properties and influences of the dungeons upon the world, a topic few ever broach, much less discuss. I had only read excerpts, in one case a treaty flatly denying its proposals, but never the book itself. Barnabus looks mildly surprised before a look of understanding reaches his eyes, even as a small smile graces his lips.

"Indeed it is. Sadly, I don't think it will be selling any time soon. Few appreciate Mayweather's rather blunt style of writing, particularly on such a... touchy subject. From your words, I believe I am in the presence of a fellow seeker of knowledge?"

I nod absentmindedly, fingers tracing other books along the same shelf. Some I've read, others heard of, some I haven't, and still others written in languages I don't recognize. There is so much knowledge to be gained here alone, I almost don't even want to set foot in the dungeon anymore. Alas, if I were to divert my course, I would soon lack in funds. I pull myself away from the shelves, returning my gaze to Barnabus to find he has settled behind a counter I must have missed entirely in my wonder of this place. He draws forth a small book first, placing it upon the counter as I approach, followed quickly by a much larger book, pages sticking out of it haphazardly.

"I can guess then, why you'd come here. A spell tome," and he indicates the smaller book, bound in dull brown leather, "and, as a favor to a fellow searcher, 10 pages of your choice to place within, in the hopes you shall return should you ever feel the need to purchase more. All for 40 gold."

A much better offer than Restan, certainly, though without the simple gear that his would come with. That still brings my total expenses to only 70 gold, however, a much more manageable number, not to mention any efforts I may make towards lowering Restan's prices. Still, Theories of Influence sits tauntingly in its resting place, and I cannot but gaze at it. Barnabus seems to catch my gaze, for a small smile creeps to his lips.

"Another 20, just for you. As a fellow scholar, of course."

I can practically feel my purse dying, but...

>What shall I do?

>If purchase is made, select ten page from the following, in any combination and quantity:
Flametongue: A small jet of flame bursts forth from an outstretched palm. (2 SP Cost, 1d4 Fire, 1)
Lesser Ward: Weak runes and wards spring into being, guarding the user from harm. (2 SP Cost, +3 HP)
Flare: A burst of light spring into being before the targets eyes, blinding them. (1 SP Cost, Blind)
Soothe: A divine presence visits the target, providing aid within the dark. (2 SP Cost, 1d4 Heal, 0)
Aid: Divine will is made manifest, guiding an ally's actions. (2 SP Cost, +1 to all rolls)

>Roll D20 to resist Vice

>Note: A character's Vice is generally a detriment. Most will applies penalties of some kind to a character, in combat or otherwise, while many will also manifest in situations. Mary's, Hunger for Knowledge, will generally activate when presented with a book or scrap of knowledge to be gained, and will invoke a roll to resist the lure, the difficulty being dependent upon the rarity or value of that knowledge. Of course, one can choose to give in without the roll as well.

>Additional Note: Spells stat blocks are read simply. The first is is the Sanity Cost, the second their effect, whether in damage or other outcome, and finally their effective distance, if applicable. Distance shall be explained when appropriate.

Kill your purse.

I'd say 4x flametongue, 3x soothe and single copies of the rest.

rolled 6 = 6

---

>The cursed place would not attract so many to it if it did not offer such reward for the danger.
Technically, all it has to do is offer the promise of reward. You might find yourself disappointed by the actual ratio.

>A spell tome," and he indicates the smaller book, bound in dull brown leather, "and, as a favor to a fellow searcher, 10 pages of your choice to place within, in the hopes you shall return should you ever feel the need to purchase more. All for 40 gold."
That's a considerably better deal than the 60 gold the general store was offering. Probably not going to find a better price than the store that specializes in books.

Get 2 aid, 2 soothe, 1 flare, 1 ward, 4 flame.

And yeah, go back and buy the general supplies from before and you should be prepared. Although maybe you might want to try gathering information from people before venturing into the dungeon.

>>Roll D20 to resist Vice
Rollin

The Spell Tome is quickly acquired without incident, filled with a some spell pages. Barnabus is happy to warn me that the tome itself will only be able to hold so many pages, 30 in total, but I may be able to find larger tomes within the dungeon itself, or even within his own stock from time to time. Currently housed within are 4 pages of flametongue, and 3 of soothe, and only a single copy of the others. In the end, however, it is not these practical purchases that has most of my attention. Along with them comes the Theories of Influence, and it is what truly holds my excitement. In the end, I failed to resist the temptation, though it is arguably a temptation I am perfectly willing to give in to. Still, it leaves my purse noticeably lighter, which is only highlighted more upon returning to the General Store and acquiring the goods needed for even a brief expedition into the dungeon depths. All told, I can count only 10 Gold in my possession, which despite my prized acquisition, tempers my mood somewhat.

Still, despite my low funds, it is prudent to gather more information before venturing into the dungeon proper, and perhaps most importantly, potentially find allies to venture forth with. I wouldn't dare consider otherwise, on the myths of the place alone. It is because of this that I find my way to the town's Tavern, a rather simple and... rustic... place that goes by the name of the Sanctuary.

Within I find what I expected. Adventurers are the main population, with the sort of quiet rumble of multiple conversations at once. There's the smell of alcohol that seems to pervade the air, almost making me gag at the taste of it, cheap and strong in equal measures. Still, I manage to school my expression well, and while most give me a passing glance, all seem to return to their own conversations and musings. All, it would seem, except for the man tending the bar, fingers idly wiping at mug with a cloth as he sizes me up. His face and exposed skin is practically covered in scars, lending him an imposing air that I admit is intimidating.

"Another new blood, from the looks of you. At least you had the sense to get some gear." The man's voice is startlingly rough and deep, but something about him fixes my attention. I couldn't say what it was, but when he speaks, the gentle rumble of conversations dies for a moment before picking back up again. "Still, you haven't any armor, so that means your a spell-flinger. Nothing wrong with that, just be careful you don't drive yourself insane down in the depths. Relying too much on spells is never a good thing."

"And you would know this because?"

"Because I used to be like you. Descending into the depths, seeking gold and glory. More often than not, I came back just to piss away whatever gold I had here."

"Until the right bastard lucked out, got a good haul, and bought this place for himself." The new voice, another man wearing fine metal armor with a zweihander leaned against the bar at his side, grins with eyes full of mirth. "Ain't no one luckier than this sorry sack, and what does he do with his fortune? Buys a tavern, improves the place from the shit hole it used to be, and starts giving advice to newbloods, hoping they don't get themselves killed. All while trying to make sure we don't lose ourselves in the depths."

"That's enough out of you. Go back to your drink, Malcom. You'll need the cheer if your going down today." The second man waves off the bartender's concern, though doesn't necessarily refute the claim either. Regardless, the scarred man returns his gaze and his attention to me. "Man's not wrong, though. I offer advice where I can. No use sending more people to unnecessary deaths. I can't force you to take my help, of course, but I'd encourage you to at least hear what I have to say, and you can ask your own questions if you like."

>What shall I do?

Yeah get the basics from him first. How many runs did it take him to strike lucky?

>>817109
I see no reason to listen to someone who succeeded (or at least survived) what you're trying to do, if he's inclined to share.

>ask your own question
All right, what's the biggest mistake most newcomers make?

"What's the biggest mistake most newcomers make?"

The bartender smiles, clearly pleased with my desire to learn from someone more experienced. Doubtless others have brushed off his attempts to provide aid, but I shall not make the same blunder. Anyway to increase my chances of survival will be used without hesitation.

"A good question. Difficult to answer. It boils down to underestimating the dungeon. Some think themselves capable of entering alone, and are usually captured by the denizens and given fates worse than death. Other take too many into the depths, and history has shown the dungeon does not take open invasion lightly. The best number, in my experience, is three, though you can go up to four if you'd prefer. Three is a good number. A warrior to guard the front, sneak to pop locks and traps, and a caster, for healing ideally, though any will do in a pinch."

"How quickly did you find your fortune?"

"My fortune was luck and the result of many deaths. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. Best you don't seek to emulate my success. I wouldn't worry about a lack of treasure, either. For whatever reason, the dungeons have their share of treasure within. Even the highest levels never run dry, though you'll experience that for yourself soon enough, I should think.

"Look, the absolute best advice I can offer is to never underestimate the dungeon. I have seen seasoned adventurers brought low by a pack of goblins, watched friends lose themselves and run screaming into the dark for something as simple as a word on the wall. Everything down there is seeking your life or your sanity. Guard both well, and you'll be fine."

"Where might I find suitable allies?"

"Here, or if you want someone specific, somewhere around town. There's a few other newbloods hanging around today though.

"For warriors, there's Reginald or Lorsin. Reginald is over among the guards." The bartender gestures over to a table, where a group of guards, all dressed in chainmail, are laughing and drinking merrily. Only one seems to stand out, more for lack of drink than anything, though he laughs along with the others regardless. "Nice enough fellow, though he seems to have an issue with sneaks. Not that many can blame him, they are sneaks, but he'll work with them if he has to, or so I've been told. Strong body, like any warrior, but can't speak for his agility. Got in last week."

"Lorsin arrived yesterday, quiet fellow. Took a room upstairs. Hasn't come down today, but from the way he moves, I'd say he knows how to carry himself. But it's clear he's seen some things that are probably still weighing on his mind. I'd best be watchful of him if you go down below."

"And a... sneak?"

"Easier said than done, though not as bad as you spell slingers. Most sneaks keep to themselves. But I know of two who'd fit you, well enough. Emily and Jaques. That's Emily, over in the corner by herself." The indicated individual is easily spotted, sitting alone at a table. She has a shock of deep red hair, vibrant among the dull browns and blacks that surround her. The woman seems to be fiddling with something, that I can't make it out from here. "She's a natural with locks and traps, and a fair arm with some daggers. Can't say she'll be the best at keeping her cool though, so another to watch when you go down below.

"Jacques is an out of towner, like you. Came stumbling out of the woods one day, all on his own. Doesn't talk about his past much, but he's got a good head on his shoulders. Bit of a mean streak, that one, not afraid to get a little blood on his hands. He's at the gambling tables over there, unless he's slipped off." I'm directed to a few tables set apart from the others, where cards are played and coin exchanges hands. No one immediately strikes me as this Jacques, but that means little when it comes to sneaks.

>What shall I do?

Place your bids. Bid a percentage of the total earnings, and if another adventurer places a higher bid than yours, then they deserve the good protection and higher cost. Bids can include special rules like "round up for lump sum rare treasures" or "assistance is rewarded with extra wages". Bid with all four players. Explain that you'll take the two with the lowest bids.

Then go out of the tavern and look for some weird adventurers. You'll want to find a combination of a seasoned adventurer and a high-potential noob.

>>What shall I do?
I guess we try to size people up, and recruit some adventuring partners.

I say we try talking to Emily, first.

I thank the bartender before I step off towards Emily, red hair a clear beacon. I find myself propositioned by a few of the drunker patrons, though their advances are easily brushed aside. I might find it detestable, if I was to pay it even half a mind to begin with. As it is, the young woman in question does have my attention however, and with proximity comes closer inspection. She's dressed in simple peasant fair, dull browns and ragged, though serviceable enough for the safety of a town. I can only hope she has more suitable attire stored elsewhere. More interesting is the lock in her hands, the tools of her trade laid out before her like dinnerware as she works.

As I arrive at her table, her eyes raise to stare at me, fingers freezing in their motion. It would seem I've either caught her off guard, or she's not particularly adept at dealing with people. The former is a problem, the latter, notably less so.

"You are Emily, are you not?"

"Ah! Uh.. y-yeah? I mean, yes. I am. Emily."

Obviously the latter case. Workable, if not ideal. Hopefully that is simply a manner she takes with strangers, and not companions. Regardless, with her confirmation, I seat myself across from her. She seems to relax only slightly, fingers working the mechanisms of the lock once more even as her eyes flicker between it and me.

"Excellent. My name is Mary de Loress, a scholar, among other things. I was hoping to speak with you on the matter of your services, or rather, the possibility of enlisting them."

"You... want to hire me?"

"That is a possibility, yes. I had some questions though, if I may, as well as some thoughts on the terms."

Emily's eyes widen, her hands freezing once more, before she places the lock on the table and forces her hands into her lap. It would seem she at least wants to take this interview, for lack of a better word, seriously. A point in her favor, truthfully.

"O-ok."

>What shall I say?

1) The bar guy said you had certain... "mechanical" talents.
a) How thorough must a door's security be before you cannot pass it?
b) Can you detect potential hazards of a certain artificial nature minutes before they are trespassed?
c) How well can you perform your current talents under aggressive and stressful situations?

2) Are you well equipped for
a) aggressive
b) environmental
c) endurance
situations?

3) Tell me about yourself. Why do you wish to take on such a competitive profession?

Bad people skills are fine, so long as she can do her job. Bluntly, it does give you an advantage over her, and in controlling the situation.

Pertinent questions to start with is probably her abilities / what she can do. If nothing else, you don't want unrealistic expectations going in. And experience, has she been in the dungeon already? Prior experience plying her trade?

What she's here for would also be good. We don't need her entire life story, but it's good to know what your allies are seeking. (Which leads into ideas of payment, or division of spoils).

"I'm told you have a talent for removing certain obstacles that might be found in a dungeon."

"Y-Yes."

"How talented are you? That lock seemed to be giving you trouble."

Emily glances down at the lock, then makes as if to pick it up once more. She pauses, but I nod my head to give silent permission. From the moment she takes up the lock and her tools to the moment the mechanism springs open, only five seconds passed. I feel myself impressed despite myself. Peasant or not, she knows her craft it would seem.

"I was just fiddlin with it, mostly."

"Fiddling?"

"Y-yeah. I mean, yes. Every locks like a person, miss. Talk to em just right, an they'll let you in."

I was actually asking after the meaning of such an... odd word, but her reply holds merit regardless. I would take it then, that 'fiddling' would be akin to talking with someone in an effort to understand them.

"You can do the same for the more lethal of mechanisms?"

"Easy enough. M-miss."

Excellent. If her skill with traps is as good as her skill with locks, Emily would make a fine sneak for an expedition into the dungeons. At the least, she seems to have the necessary tools of her trade. Still, that will mean precious little in a fight.

"And against other threats from the dungeons? You have skills and equipment necessary for the task?"

"I-I'm a good hand with knives. Practice when I can. Hit what I'm aimin at too. Most times, anyway. And I have some leather. Not the best, but it's better than nothin."

"Your experience in your profession?"

Emily seems to shrink in on herself somewhat. For a moment, she simply sits quietly, restless and uncertain, before she replies.

"I... I've never been below."

"Into the dungeons? What about elsewhere?"

"N-no miss."

"You have never practiced your craft?"

"I'm born and raised here, miss. One doesn't steal in a dungeon town. And no one will take me below."

"Why?"

"Cause she's a whore's daughter, that's why!"

Emily flinches at the sudden interjection, while I simply turn to face the uninvited guest. The man is older, perhaps seeing forty winters, but his eyes hold contempt for the red haired young woman. He's also clearly drunk, and the sudden outburst has caught the attention of the entire tavern, including the bartender, who seems less than pleased.

"Her whore mother slept with damn near hundred men! Can't even tell you who her father is, can ya? Eh? No, ya can't, and neither can the whore! An you tell me, who wants a whore's daughter without a lick of experience at their side in the depths? Can't even afford a proper teacher, learned everything with her 'fiddlin', that one did!"

A glance at Emily sees her mouth set in a hard line, though she seems relunctant to meet my gaze. Shame, perhaps, or fear I will judge her for being the bastard child of a whore. The man seems unlikely to stop his ranting and raving, but he is not particular wrong either. While it is impressive one can be so quick with a lock as she, if Emily has no teacher and no one to vouch for her skill, it a risk many would not take. The question, I suppose, is am I willing to take the risk?

>What shall I do?

Ignore him. Continue the interview. If he intentionally moves into your line of sight, notify him of your displeasure of his intentional hindrance. If he claims he can do a better job, offer it to him for a quarter of what you were going to pay Emily. He'll probably leave, but if he's stupid enough to join, then accept.

When he's gone, explain to Emily that you are not entirely confident in her skills and will be hiring a seasoned warrior to compensate. Tomorrow may be her chance to prove herself. By morning, if the drunkard is still adamant about going in, just use him as a meatshield / distraction / goblin sacrificial target. If he somehow survives, then whatever.

Judging her for who her parents were doesn't seem productive. It matters little where she came from compared to what she can do. Also, cynically, not being cruel to her in the way so many people in her life have been is a cheap way to earn goodwill and favor.

As for no one to vouch for her- the bartender, who is a successfully retired adventurer, refereed her to you. If he was honest about his motivations (trying to offer advise that helps keep his younger peers from dying horribly), we can presume he thinks she has a shot. If he really thought she was unprepared, he would not refer anyone her way, leaving her safely on the surface. Unlike you, and some others, he could stop her from venturing below.

As for the risk of someone untested? Frankly, so are you, and its unlikely you'll be able to recruit anyone who isn't a new-blood at this point in your career.

I think the risk is worth it, and not much more than the risk you would have taking anyone else. And surely there are advantages to working with a local? She will have listened to the stories of others returning from below her whole life, and knows the people here. That information might prove useful.

Say something to get rid of the drunk and resume your conversation. (Haven't covered division of loot, or what it is she's after down there).

I choose to ignore the drunkard, mainly because his opinions mean little to me. Emily has received the trust of the bartender and the skills I require of her. Her lack of experience is hardly a factor, seeing as I am little better than she, and perhaps she may prove of more use than just her ability to disable the traps and locks of the dungeon. I turn once more in my seat to face Emily once again, intent on continuing where I'd left off.

"It would seem you have the skill regardless. Is there a reason you wish to descend into the dungeon?"

Emily raises her gaze, finally meeting my own again, though the surprise in her eyes is clear. She marshals quickly, practically falling over herself to answer.

"Y-yes! There's treasure below, and with treasure I could live better, maybe even get enough gold to leave and get ma out of the brothel. Even if she keeps tellin me not to worry about her. She deserves better than what she's got."

Bettering ones own circumstances, and that of family, is certainly an admirable reason. That would mean riches are her primary concern, which suits me just fine. Knowledge is mine, and while I will need gold to finance my own trips into the dungeon, I would only need enough to pay for food and replenishing whatever supplies I require.

"An excellent motivation. I hope to aid in its accomplishme-"

"Oy!You ignoring me!"

The drunkard doesn't seem at all pleased with my decision to disregard his attempts to dissuade me and disparage Emily. I turn once more, fixing a disapproving glare on the man. His addled mind doesn't seem to register it, but I can see the bartender already gesturing towards us. A few of the warriors stand, making their way through the tables in our direction. Good, they can deal with the man. I've little time to waste upon him.

"As I was saying. While I have yet to find us a suitable warrior, I would doubt any would fault you for collecting a fair portion of the treasure for yourself. I myself have far more interest in any lost lore there may be within the depths, so I ask only that I may be allowed to take any such things we may find, as well as enough treasure to fund further expeditions."

"Th-that sounds good to me, miss."

"Excellent. You are willing to be of service then?"

"Yes, miss!"

Emily looks almost like one would expect a puppy might, eager to please and quick to jump to action. Hopefully, such behavior will temper with time, though it is not truly a detriment. She is just as quick to jump to her feet, eager to collect her own gear in preparation for the descent. I am quick to point out that we would likely wish to leave in the morning, which seems to calm her a little, though she does say she still has to leave, to make her own preparations regardless. I secure a promise to meet her here at Sanctuary tomorrow, and then she is gone, slipping through the tables with the ease of long practice. The drunkard himself seems to have departed, though I would guess that is because he has been forcibly removed.

Either way, I have acquired a Sneak for my first foray. All that remains is a warrior, of which there are two options I have been directed towards.

>Find Reginald, still among the guards
>Find Lorsin, supposedly still in his room
>Other

>maybe even get enough gold to leave and get ma out of the brothel
Hmm. Says something, that her mother is still working. At the very least, that the life of a working girl in this town is less dangerous than it is in some others.

>Reginald or Lorsin
We were advised Lorsin might have things weighing on his mind, and thus might be vulnerable to will or sanity checks. Emily's nervous and potentially vulnerable in the same area- it's probably good for team balance not to stack up weaknesses.

So, talk to Reginald. He's supposed to not like sneaks much, but Emily's fairly non-confrontational, so maybe that will be less of a problem than if he was working with someone else?

I delay only long enough to collect my thoughts before I begin my begin winding my own way through the tables, this time towards the group of guards. Reginald remains there, laughing along with the others, though the entire group grows expectant as I arrive.

"I am told there is one named Reginald among you."

"Aye. What can I do for you, Miss...?"

"Mary de Loress. I seek a suitable warrior for a foray into the dungeon."

"That right? What makes you think I'd want to trek down there with you?"

"I was referred to you by the bartender. He seemed to be under the impression you would be a suitable match for the task at hand."

"Hm. Fair enough. That still doesn't mean I'm all that keen on going into that hellhole myself."

"Nothing I can say would convince you?"

"Now, I didn't go and say all that. Just that I'd need a good enough reason to trust you won't get me killed if I were to go down there with you. Let's face it, you're untested, and I doubt the sneak you just recruited is any more tested down there then you are."

A reasonable concern, and one I cannot and will not fault the man for. He seems ill inclined to trust the inexperienced, and is perhaps seeking a group of more traveled members. However, it is imperative I gain the man's services. I shall have to argue my case, and put it well enough to earn the man's skills, if not his trust.

>Roll D20, Bonus applied for a good arguments

rolled 13 = 13

---

He says you're untested, which is true. But we were still refereed to him, which may mean two things. First, if he's more experienced, that means you'll be relying on him, giving him greater influence than he would in another group, and strengthening his own bargaining position. Less conflict of command in the moment, and no having to unteach fools bad habits either. Second, if he was significantly more experienced or established, he would have a position in a group already higher up the food chain, and it would be worth no one's time to refer us to him in the first place.

Look, I presume you have some interest in the dungeon or else, why be in this town at all? There are other, safer places in the world for a soldier to earn a living, if that's what you seek. Frankly, if you're here, it's for a reason. Am I wrong?

rolled 19 = 19

---

Screw it. You can die on your own without this douche pretending to be something better than he could ever achieve egging you to throw yourself off a cliff.

>13+5=18
"I am indeed untested. However, I was stilled referred to you. I can only imagine this was because of your greater experience in matters of combat, to which I will gladly defer. I would rather a tested warrior be willing to give commands when it came to such than myself. Reasonable compensation will quite assuredly be provided, from whatever we take from the depths. I myself only require enough to resupply and pay for necessities. Besides, if your skills were indeed in such demand, I would imagine some other group of far more experience would have recruited you already."

Reginald's eyes have narrowed at my words, but he seems more contemplative than hostile. At the very least, my argument has attracted his attention, which is ideal, seeing as I have hardly finished speaking my case. Though, somewhere within, a biting doubt creeps in. If his tone is like this with me, how might he react to Emily? Worse yet, how might she react in turn? Doubtlessly not very well, and that would be problematic.

"I presume you have some interest in the dungeon in any case, else why come to this town at all? There are far safer ways for a trained soldier to earn a living, if such is what you seek. Simply put, you are here for a reason."

>19+5=24
"Still, if you can only speak down to one who only seeks to work with you, then I have little use for you. I hope your future endeavors are fruitful, and I bid you good day."

As I turn to leave, Reginald begins laughing, a deep rough sound that gives me pause. This continues for only a few moments before he calms, a wide grin upon his face. He stands from his chair, rising above me by almost a full head, to look down upon me.

"You have a fire in your breast, and I can respect that. You're right as well, I have my reasons for wanting to go down into the the dungeon, reasons I'd prefer to keep to myself for now. Still, if you'll have me, I'll be your warrior, whatever comes. All I ask is a fair share of any treasure."

I pause, considering the offer. It would seem I have secured his services, if I so desire them. There is still this Lorsin, if I'd prefer to seek his employment, but he is not a guaranteed prospect.

There is also the matter of what to do about lodgings for the night. I could speak once more to the bartender, and seek his advice in the matter. One of my allies may also be able to provide an answer, though I would need to seek out Emily if I were to inquire of her. Finally, I could simply seek out room and board myself, doubtless there are places that would accept me for some of my remaining coin.

>What shall I do?

You successfully recruited Reginald, I don't think we need to go after Lorsin. Then we're juggling people, and it feels too early for that.

>where find place to stay
Emily's the local girl, so she's probably the best bet for pointing you in the direction of lodgings that aren't a tourist trap to rip you off.

Given that people in the line of work will tend to show up from out of town and either don't come back alive or they come back giddy with gold, I expect there's more than a few places that get away with pricing markups and gouging.