The Treasure of the Tierra Padre... [Knight Otu Judging]

[Pbartender]

Rupert leads the way to the Red Dargon's back room, where you find a table bedecked with food and drink. He sits down and helps himself to a squab and a flagon of wine, and then he gets down to business...

"Recently, I ran across an old map," Rupert elucidates. "It was tucked away amongst the pages of an inconsequential manuscript. The directions on the map lead to a location not far from Orussus, with the implication that an abandoned dragon's horde is hidden there."

"Now, while I have no need for additional wealth, I am very fond of collecting exotic antiquities. And a dragon's horde is bound to have some ancient artifacts to interest me."

"I, of course, am not the sort of adventuring man of action to go tromping through barren wastelands, fighting off savage natives and grubbing the rubble of some decrepit ruins. That is why I need you."

"If you agree, I will show you my copy of the map, and give you the remaining details of the directions to find the cache. All treasure found will be turned over to me for examination and inclusion into my private collection. A fair prize bounty, to be assessed by an agreed upon and accredited appraisor, will be paid for each item retrieved, to be split amongst you as you see fit."

 

[msd]

Rupert leads the way to the Red Dargon's back room, where you find a table bedecked with food and drink. He sits down and helps himself to a squab and a flagon of wine, and then he gets down to business...

Eruin cautiously eyes the man but upon momentary reflection and consideration of the alternative of staying yet another day at the inn, decides to follow the stranger into the back room...

The adventurer is noticably uncomfortable amidst the splendor of the setting. Not knowing where, or even whether to sit in front of a potential employer, Eruin continues to wring his leather gloves in his hands.

"Ahhh, Mr. Rupert, sir, I would...I mean if it were possible...I would have a moment to examine that map. That is, I would be agreeable to your proposal."

Not knowing whether he has said the wrong thing or whether he has offended his host, the pause following his words seems interminable. Unable to withstand the tension of the silence, Eruin adds

"It is true that I am but a young man, but I have sepnt much of my youth in and around the wilds of Orussus. I would appreciate a chance to prove my worth...sir."

Eruin bows his head, his self-doubt clouding his throughts...




<OOC>

I hope it wasn't inappropriate for me to follow Rupert into this back room without a prior invitation. The Red Dragon thread didn't seem to indicate whether specific people had been chosen...

You'll pardon my ignorance. I'm very new to D&D and completely new to PbP.

I apologize in advance,
Matt

</OOC>

 

[Gurdjieff]

With Rupert leading the way, Rogier follows him to the back room. Seeing the table all filled with food and drinks, he regrets just eating his lunch.
"This Dragon-hoard, how sure are you that it is actually abandoned?" Rogier asks after listening to the story.

Also seeing the Ranger stumbling with his words, Rogier tries to aid the fellow. "Eruin, I believe?" he says a bit questioning, as he isn't sure if he got the name straight, "I'm not sure if I'm much older than you, and I wouldn't be surprised if your skills of the wild would be very useful while searching for a dragons hoard. I don't know much about Dragons, but I can imagine them hiding their treasure instead of laying it out in the open."

He turns back to Rupert, and says: Sir, you can count me in.

 

[Knight Otu]

[judge]I'll volunteer to watch this adventure as the official judge, if you don't mind.[/judge]

 

[Pbartender]

[judge]I'll volunteer to watch this adventure as the official judge, if you don't mind.[/judge]

OOC: Thanks, KO.

"Excellent!" Rupert exclaims, "Welcome aboard, then, as it may be. Now, you'll forgive the manners of an old rich man with too many lawyers..." He unrolls a handful of parchment sheets, and hands one each to Eruin and Rogier.

"These are your contracts and commisions outlining the nature of the expedition, the responsibilities of everyone involved and the means of payment. If you would be so kind as to sign your names at the bottom of the page, and provide either a small lock of hair or a few drops of blood, then we can proceed."

The contracts state, in much more elaborate language, everything Rupert has already mentioned about this secret treasure hunt... All treasure is to be returned to Rupert, and the adventurers will be reimbursed with a prize bounty for the items recovered.

"This Dragon-hoard, how sure are you that it is actually abandoned?" Rogier asks after listening to the story.

"This is Orussus, the City of Adventurers!" Rupert says, as if the answer is quite obvious. "Aside form this fine Inn's name-sake, there hasn't been a dragon sighted within three hundred miles of Orussus for centuries. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that horde once belonged to the Red Dragon herself."

 

[El Jefe]

Oirhandir is bemused by the fact that a fine meal is provided for him, just after he has finished his own. He nibbles at some of the more interesting bits, but has no room for any more than a bite.

This Rupert Vaneelkelen...ahh, the name comes to mind now. "The Patron of Explorers", or something like that. Tales of many fortunes made, and a few lost. The elf marvels that he has actually met a human that is mentioned in some of the wilder tales that he's heard. Meeting a famous elf is one thing, but a human...there are so many of them, and they live such short lives that they are gone before you get a chance to meet them!

The man's offer is both unsettling and intriguing. This Rogier has a good point...what if the treasure isn't truly abandoned? Oirhandir would like to meet a real dragon some day, but from a distance...and certainly not while being caught red-handed looting its hoard!

But an unguarded dragon's treasure...it just doesn't get any better than that, does it? Perhaps this is too good to be true. Oirhandir wonders aloud, "...But if someone knew where an abandoned dragon hoard lie, why would he make a map of the place, and then leave the map? Why wouldn't he just go retrieve the treasure himself?"

Oirhandir's eartips turn red at the awkward silence that follows. Just as Rupert begins to answer, the elf blurts out, "Ah, of course, that person's folly is our good fortune. Count me in as well!"

ooc - Free internet service at the hotel! Won't do me a bit of good tomorrow, but for now...

 

[Pbartender]

Another copy of the contract floats its way across the table to land gently in front of Oirhandir.

 

[El Jefe]

Another copy of the contract floats its way across the table to land gently in front of Oirhandir.

Oirhandir carefully reads the document, trying to think of a way it could be used to cheat him out of at least some gold if he succeeds in retrieving the treasure. Although he re-reads it twice, he finds none. He takes a nervous breath, and realizes that he has nothing to write with.

He looks up at Rupert. "Good sir", he says, "I fear I have no pen to write with."

As soon as an implement is produced, Oirhandir signs his name with a flourish, and places a few strands of his hair on the document.

 

[DM-Rocco]

Calamar the Dark enters the back room and slowly, with staggered steps and a woosey look about him, makes his way to Rupert's table.


"Forgive the intrusion, I heard that adventure awaited those back here."

OOC, tired of me yet, if so I can find another?

 

[Pbartender]

Calamar the Dark enters the back room and slowly, with staggered steps and a woosey look about him, makes his way to Rupert's table.

"Forgive the intrusion, I heard that adventure awaited those back here."

Another bit of parchment containing the commissioning contract settles into Calamar's hands as soon as he steps in the door, "Indeed it does, but only if you sign that, and provide a small lock of hair or a few drops of blood, thank you."

"And please, help yourself to supper. You look like you could use a good meal."