[000] Getting started, some rumors

[rossik]

Kajal agreed, happy to have more people on this journey

[Antman9]

Vicenç Santharam: Human M Thief (HP: 1/1) (AC: 7 – Leather Armor)
Action/Status: Joins the party

Vicenç maintains a respectful posture in the presence of Lord Rohit Subramanian. When his turn comes to speak and present himself he is brief and respectful. "I am Vicenç Santharam from the Mountains of the Moon. I am humble before you and ask only to be of service to the people, and to be kindly rewarded for services rendered."

[ffilz]

Rohit is pleased with the group assembled in front of him. He asks if you have any needs for your expedition. He is prepared to offer 25 gp per bandit head brought back to him.

[Captain Kinkajou]

Prishneena

Prishneena's eyes widen slightly and she makes an effort not to grin at the sum offered by Rohit, for that would surely be foolish. A real warrior would not do such a thing. But, gold pieces! Did he say 25 gold pieces!? From their group's numbers, if she did her share, she thought that ought to earn her a gold piece or two a head, which was more than she had ever seen before. Prishneena would be willing to kill many bandits for such a princely sum. She began to wonder how they were going to carry all the heads... and whether anyone was going to suggest they have something to eat before they left. Her meeting with Wening had been a blessing indeed. As the gods will it, she thinks, remembering Wening's words.

[redwarrior]

My Lord Rohit, if we could trouble you for a pack animal or two and a few days provisions, we will be ready to smite these bandits. Oh yes, and perhaps a few large leather bags for their heads.

[Pulpatoon]

Wening steps forward again. Head bowed in deference to both Rohit and Hanarl, she says, "The Exalted Lord is most generous. If I might append a small favor to my master's wise requests: we are new to this land, and there is much we do not know about its geography, its history, and its peoples. Would you, in your wisdom, recommend to us one who is knowledgable about the local bandits—their methods and means, and where they might be found? Then we might learn from them and step forward on our mission armed with both steel and knowledge."

[sulldawga]

Gigyansh

Thank you, uncle. We are certain of success with your support.

The pack animals could be doubly useful. If we end up trying to draw out the bandits by moving through the territory where they operate, perhaps they will be attracted to us in the hopes of an easy score. We shall make sure they are quite disappointed.

[ffilz]

I can certainly offer you the use of two donkeys with packs and such. As to an expert in the area, you should seek out Ravi in Maldhunga (the locals know Maldhunga is the village down by the bridge over the Kali Gandaki, those who came in with the caravan recalled the village they passed through on their way into Baglung).

[rossik]

since everyone seems to have made the right requests, Rajal request only a few torches

[ffilz]

Any other requests before I resolve the travel to Maldhunga?

[sulldawga]

I'm ready to proceed.

[redwarrior]

I’m ready.

[Pulpatoon]

Let's go!

[Antman9]

Fire it Up!

[Captain Kinkajou]

Ready and raring to go.

[ffilz]

Rohit says "Wonderful, let us take tea to celebrate this venture and while we have tea, the arrangements will be made."

Rohit talks to a couple household members, sending one off to fetch tea, while sending another to round up the donkeys, packs, torches, and provisions.

After a couple minutes, the gentleman who went to fetch tea comes rushing back in, and whispers into Rohit's ear. His face turns pale and he announces: "I'm sorry, we will not be celebrating with tea, apparently someone bent on assassination slipped something into our tea and the poor tea taster has succumbed. I must attend to an investigation. Temba will be back shortly to take you down to the stables."

You will have a few days to respond and consider if you want to involve yourself in the assassination attempt or continue immediately with the bandit suppression mission. I will be able to answer some questions, but won't be in a position to resolve anything.

[sulldawga]

Gigyansh

"This is terrible news but it must mean that we are on the right track. I would suggest we continue with our plans to seek out these bandits and not let their attempt at terror dissuade us from our moral duty!"

[Pulpatoon]

Wening, whose previous career was steeped in the brutal machinations of politics, takes the idea of attempted poisoning in stride as a commonplace occurrence—after all, that is why there are food tasters. She considers this a cause to express sympathy and concern for her host, but not to delay the business at hand.

[Captain Kinkajou]

Prishneena

Prishneena curses the damned assassin who spoilt their tea, whoever they might be. She'd been looking forward to it, damn it. She eyes Rohit hopefully for a few moments, hoping he will offer an alternative but it seems like the opportunity is ruined. As the gods will it, she supposes disappointedly.

She nods her agreement as Wening and Gigyansh propose proceeding with business. The sooner they bring back some bandit heads, the sooner they can get coin for a decent meal. If the tea's off, they might as well get right to it.

[rossik]

Kajal is ready and anxious for action!