(Corvin 3): A Sordid Business

[archolewa]

After the surprise meeting with the Princess of all people, the group returns to their tower home. The evening proves harder than perhaps expected. Their neighbors clamor for news, which of course leads to having explain Mordred's death.

Astrid stands in the kitchen, staring down at the table. "The last time I was in here, Mordred stood next to me."

Sebastian nods, and wipes tears from his eyes. "Yeah."

At that point, there's a knock on the tower door, and the group finds their neighbors gathered there with food, and the evening is spent having a funeral feast in Mordred's memory.

June 12

The next morning dawns sunny and warm.

"We should decide what we want to do with all those books in the basement," says Astrid. "They serve us no use, and they might be valuable. There are about a dozen down there. I'm sure the Academy if nobody else would like them."

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Indeed, the books are worth about 10gp each. No guarantee you'll be able to get that much of course.

Here is also where you guys can figure out how you want to allocate things for training and the like. You have 75 gold worth of training available (Jalko, Sebastian, Kasper). Sebastian and Kasper each have about 20 gold. Astrid has 9 gold. All are willing to contribute to help with training, or to cover food expenses and the like. Standard "healthy upkeep" is a silver a day, but that includes lodging. You already have lodging, so you only have to worry about food. A week's worth of fresh rations is 50 copper (5 silver), so we'll say to keep yourself fed in the city you're looking at 5 copper a day.

We'll use this thread for training, as well as if you guys want to try to do anything with the books in Mordred's library. Once training is done, we'll also run the adventure here. I'll open some separate threads shortly for the Solstice and talking to Ol'Will for Corvin. @Edeldhur if there's anything you want Jalko to do that is a bit of a side thing, or if you want Jalko to be involved in either of Corvin's threads let us know here.

[shaidar]

Corvin

During the funeral feast Corvin will discretely ask the neighbours if they've seen anyone hanging around or paying particular attention to the tower, particularly anyone who might look like Benjy.

In the morning...

Corvin nods when Astrid suggests they sell the books. "I can't see them being of any use to us. We could give the Academy first refusal, see how much they offer."

[Edeldhur]

Jalko has 20gp and 4sp. If he can get a loan he will train, spend most of his time at it, then grabbing a few beers and crash out exhausted. To start again the next day.

Even though we are short on cash, I would say keep the books - who knows when another magic-user might join the group, or even a Sorcerer? Use them to study, research, etc.
I have always liked the idea of having a 'homebase vault kinda thing' where you keep valuable stuff, unless you absolutely need to sell it.
There we would keep things like Mordred's sword, the books, any useful items from a character who dies, etc.
Both as a keepsake and also because it can be very useful for another character who might join the group in the future, and I like that idea.
Magical items, alchemical labs, books on magic, those are all hard to come by - I would not sell any of it (unless they are an obvious duplicate or something). Even if it means holding off on training. Money is only money.

As for anything Jalko might like to do on the side... Well, he is a smith (weaponsmith? armorsmith? blacksmith? Not sure if these are separate or specializations, or ) - maybe he could make some money on the side assisting a local smith.
He is also a soldier, so maybe he can find temporary work. I've thought about bouncer work at a tavern or some such, but he sucks with bare fists, or saps, so I think that is a no-go.

As for the solstice I think I'll pass. Interested in the talk with Ol'Will though.

[shaidar]

We can hold onto the books. We just have to be careful that we don't fall too far behind with weapon feat training, as they'll become less effective in combat. Not that Sebastian is much for combat, but Kasper can be. I'm just a little concerned with Corvin being left to hold the front line.

[archolewa]

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OOC

There we would keep things like Mordred's sword, the books, any useful items from a character who dies, etc.
Both as a keepsake and also because it can be very useful for another character who might join the group in the future, and I like that idea.
Magical items, alchemical labs, books on magic, those are all hard to come by - I would not sell any of it (unless they are an obvious duplicate or something). Even if it means holding off on training. Money is only money.

Quick note: The team did already decide to trade Mordred's sword to the other PC team, who have a bastard sword wielder, and that team is in fact using that sword at the moment (being several weeks ahead in the timeline). I will be setting up a thread for that shortly. Also, these things are probably things Jalko should say in character. Especially since both Corvin and Astrid have voiced a desire to sell them. They aren't going to just suddenly change their minds.

As for anything Jalko might like to do on the side... Well, he is a smith (weaponsmith? armorsmith? blacksmith? Not sure if these are separate or specializations, or ) - maybe he could make some money on the side assisting a local smith.
He is also a soldier, so maybe he can find temporary work. I've thought about bouncer work at a tavern or some such, but he sucks with bare fists, or saps, so I think that is a no-go.

Ehh. I'm not going to use the same mechanics for "non-lethally throwing someone out on their ass" as I do "lethal combat." After all, even a blackjack can kill someone if they rolled poorly on HP. That means you are using lethal force with it. For something like a tavern brawl/kicking someone out I'd probably just use competing strength checks. All that said, Jalko would probably have a hard time finding work as a bouncer. The most important thing is to look intimidating, and halfings...don't. He could probably get some work at the barracks forging arrowheads and what not. He's going to be known somewhat there since he's served a tour or two, and they're always looking for folks to do the boring but necessary stuff.

[Edeldhur]

Quick note: The team did already decide to trade Mordred's sword to the other PC team, who have a bastard sword wielder, and that team is in fact using that sword at the moment (being several weeks ahead in the timeline). I will be setting up a thread for that shortly. Also, these things are probably things Jalko should say in character. Especially since both Corvin and Astrid have voiced a desire to sell them. They aren't going to just suddenly change their minds.

Ah ok, I hadn't realized this was already decided - didn't remember having agreed to it in advance. I thought we were going to get into that when we got back to town, but I guess I was not paying attention to the timeline. Scrap that idea then.

As for Jalko, he does not feel he has anything to say about any of it - he has no claim to any of this stuff. As far as he sees it, this all belongs to Corvin, Astrid, Kasper and Sebastian. He was not here before.
By all rights, if we are going full 'what my character would do', he would not even be in this tower which he does not know, taking up space. Heck, he would not even be working for the princess. He would probably stay in an inn somewhere, and looking for some mercenary work, or going back to the cave where he was held prisoner for so long, trying to unravel what the hell happened.

But the player playing Jalko does have some opinions on all of it So that is why I was stating them using OOC. At the end of the day though it does not make that much of a difference. If shaidar prefers to sell it all, I'm good with it.

All that said, Jalko would probably have a hard time finding work as a bouncer. The most important thing is to look intimidating, and halfings...don't. He could probably get some work at the barracks forging arrowheads and what not. He's going to be known somewhat there since he's served a tour or two, and they're always looking for folks to do the boring but necessary stuff.

Nah, Jalko'll pass on doing boring stuff. Nevermind then. Jalko will just be 'hanging around'

[Edeldhur]

We can hold onto the books. We just have to be careful that we don't fall too far behind with weapon feat training, as they'll become less effective in combat. Not that Sebastian is much for combat, but Kasper can be. I'm just a little concerned with Corvin being left to hold the front line.

I am sorry shaidar, but I do not know what 'falling behind' in this context means - for me the game is what it is. If we are level 5 without money to train since level 3 then that's how the game plays. If we are less effective in combat then chances are we get killed or need to find more accessible challenges. If someone told us - 'you are playing a level 5 module' - and we were only level 3, then I would agree, but I don't feel like this is the case? The Princess railroaded us a bit, but we still have agency. Heck, we can just ignore her, and say - 'hmmmm, we thought a little bit better about it, we don't think we really owe you anything. Sorry' - and go work as caravan guards

If we are going into meta considerations, then I would argue keeping all the items makes sense - say if Corvin dies and you make a Magic User, you will miss all those books, that sword, etc etc, coming in. Same if you make a Fighter, or anyone who can wield it. So on and so forth.

And just to give some context - I have been playing in a long running BX game (online/remote face to face thing), and the 'group vault' is absolutely the best thing which has ever happened to us. A character dies, or is in downtime, new characters come in, they can benefit from 'the vault'. They are already lower level than the others, but at least they can grab decent gear, and sometimes even the odd magical item. Makes a huge difference. And it is cool. Of course this is moot because we already sold the sword

Quick note: The team did already decide to trade Mordred's sword to the other PC team, who have a bastard sword wielder, and that team is in fact using that sword at the moment (being several weeks ahead in the timeline). I will be setting up a thread for that shortly. Also, these things are probably things Jalko should say in character. Especially since both Corvin and Astrid have voiced a desire to sell them. They aren't going to just suddenly change their minds.

How much did we get for the sword?

[Edeldhur]

Sorry for all the OOC stuff!

[archolewa]

Quick note: The team did already decide to trade Mordred's sword to the other PC team, who have a bastard sword wielder, and that team is in fact using that sword at the moment (being several weeks ahead in the timeline). I will be setting up a thread for that shortly. Also, these things are probably things Jalko should say in character. Especially since both Corvin and Astrid have voiced a desire to sell them. They aren't going to just suddenly change their minds.

How much did we get for the sword?

Once everyone who chimed in agreed to the trade, I encouraged you all to work out the details in the OOC thread ahead of time, but nobody took me up on that. So it will be determined in an in-character thread I'm about to put up.

[shaidar]

We can hold onto the books. We just have to be careful that we don't fall too far behind with weapon feat training, as they'll become less effective in combat. Not that Sebastian is much for combat, but Kasper can be. I'm just a little concerned with Corvin being left to hold the front line.

I am sorry shaidar, but I do not know what 'falling behind' in this context means - for me the game is what it is. If we are level 5 without money to train since level 3 then that's how the game plays. If we are less effective in combat then chances are we get killed or need to find more accessible challenges. If someone told us - 'you are playing a level 5 module' - and we were only level 3, then I would agree, but I don't feel like this is the case? The Princess railroaded us a bit, but we still have agency. Heck, we can just ignore her, and say - 'hmmmm, we thought a little bit better about it, we don't think we really owe you anything. Sorry' - and go work as caravan guards

It seems to me that in DDX that Weapon Feats are important to give your character that boost in combat, a lot of them provide defensive abilities when you take them. It also seems to me that in DDX gp are essential, they drive xp, paying for training and in this games case you need some to get you through the winter when you cant adventure. In this campaign it feels like resources are limited after the war, so getting gp is even more important but not so easy. In Corvin's mind the team needs the money, needs the training, and if the books can be of use to the academy, then they may help in Refuge in general, so this is a no-brainer. If there is still danger to the outside halflings, due to being seen at Jalko's village, then it's a no-brainer that he would help them too.

[Edeldhur]

It seems to me that in DDX that Weapon Feats are important to give your character that boost in combat, a lot of them provide defensive abilities when you take them. It also seems to me that in DDX gp are essential, they drive xp, paying for training and in this games case you need some to get you through the winter when you cant adventure. In this campaign it feels like resources are limited after the war, so getting gp is even more important but not so easy. In Corvin's mind the team needs the money, needs the training, and if the books can be of use to the academy, then they may help in Refuge in general, so this is a no-brainer. If there is still danger to the outside halflings, due to being seen at Jalko's village, then it's a no-brainer that he would help them too.

Fair enough. We can sell it all then.

[archolewa]

The group binds the books and loads them into their (emptied) packs. They make their way to the Academy, and after a little bit of inquiry find themselves back in Jordan's office. Astrid was looking better, and more relaxed this morning, but she is tense and drawn when they find themselves back in Jordan's small space.

Jordan stands to greet them, his own expression sad. "I'm sorry to hear about Mordred. He was a good man, and the Refuge is worse with his passing."

Astrid nods. Sebastian gives a murmured "Thank you." while Kasper chimes in with an "I agree, but we will persevere. Just as we always have."

Astrid lays the books out on Jordan's desk. "These were discovered by Mordred during one of our adventures. They are of no use to any of us."

Jordan studies the books. His eyes light up. "Seer's love! A full set of Gnaio! Three of Celso, including one that I've had trouble finding. And others too..."

Jordan chuckles and shakes his head. "Just like Mordred to be sitting on such magnificent treasures and say not a word. Not even invite his old teacher to have a look! Ahhh."

He looks at the group. "The Academy does give us a budget for procuring books. I can't give you their full worth, but I can assure you that they will be put to use. Not left to moldering in some pompous nobleman's library, or worse acquired by our enemies. I can probably give you 7 gold per book. There's a dozen here, so 84 gold. It'll blow out my entire department's book budget for the rest of the year, and then some. But I very seriously doubt anyone will complain. Not for a full Gnaio."

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin looks at others "What do you all think? We might get more elsewhere, but if these can be put to good use for The Refuge then I'm satisfied with the offered price."

[archolewa]

Astrid just stares at Jordan for a moment, then she looks at Corvin. "Frankly, before your rescued me, I didn't think that much gold existed."

Sebastian chuckles. "Seriously."

"Oh I assure you, my department head is going to give me serious ash about this," says Jordan with a grin. "But frankly, I'm robbing you all blind. Knowledge is priceless."

"I have no problem with the offering. Like you Corvin, my priority is making sure these books are used in service to the Refuge," says Kasper.

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin looks at Jordan "Then maybe we can come to an understanding about costs if we find enchanted items that we need examined by the academy"

[archolewa]

Jordan cocks his head thoughtfully. "Yeah, I can do that. How about I pay you 7 gold per book, and only charge three silver for every four on any fees the Academy charges for our services? So if maybe I felt I would normally charge forty silver to spend the time to study some old sword you find, I'd only charge you thirty?"

[shaidar]

Corvin

Corvin looks at the others "That seems reasonable to me."

[archolewa]

"I'm fine with that," says Astrid.

Sebastian and Kasper both nod.

"Very good. Very, very good." Jordan grins. "Just give me a moment."

He ducks out of the office, and returns a few minutes later with a small script. "Here. Take this to the Vault, and they'll make sure funds get transferred. Don't forget to pay your taxes!"

The group then goes and speaks to Ol' Will about finding someone who might be willing to purchase/trade for Mordred's sword. He has an idea, and tells the group he'll reach out to them, and get back to Corvin and company. The group swings by the vault, gives the script to the guards there and gets their taxes paid.

Later that afternoon, after they have spoken with Troy and Luca's group, and made the deal, they return to the Tower. Not long after reaching there, they find Jalko gone, leaving behind Grimm's old mail and 18 gold.

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That's 84 gold or 840 silver -> 840/5 = 168 silver a share. Corvin gets two shares for 336. Kasper, Sebastian and Astrid each get one share at 168 silver. So Corvin gets 336 XP, while Kasper, Sebastian and Astrid each get 168/2 = 84 XP.

This is enough to push Astrid to level 3, making her eligible for training as well. She can either train with her sword or shield. Training her sword will improve her to-hit and damage, give her the ability to deflect one attack per round that gets through her AC, and give her the ability to Disarm opponents. Training in her Tower Shield gives her an offhand attack for 1d6 damage, and the ability to Deflect one attack per round that gets through her AC.

It's also just enough for Kasper to hit level 4, giving him his first level 2 spell. He's going to prepare Hold Person (seems appropriate for the next adventure).

Also, we haven't done taxes yet! Taxes are 30%. You all got 650 silver total from the gems, plus 840 silver here, or 1490. 30% of 1490 is 447. So the group owes 447 silver in taxes. For simplicity, we'll take all the taxes out of the proceeds of the books, so 840 - 447 = 393 silver. So the group got a grand total of 39 gold and 3 silver after taxes from the books. 393/5 = 78 silver with 3 silver left over. So Corvin has 78*2 = 156 silver, or 15 gold and 6 silver, while Corvin, Sebastian and Astrid each get 156 silver, or 15 gold and 6 silver.

I'm going to assume Corvin takes the 3 silver, since he's the party leader, and the group is mostly pooling their funds anyway, so Corvin gains 15 gold and 9 silver.

Sebastian's total gold is now 37, and Kasper has 36 so they can each pay for their own training. Astrid has 24 gold, so she can't quite pay for it yet.

And you of course have the 18 gold that Jalko left behind. Plus, you could possibly find someone to buy the chain mail, though you won't get any XP for the proceeds. Selling the mail will be a bit harder. Magic items are expensive. The military is unlikely to have any interest in it (soldiers provide their own gear remember). Probably you'd need to find a rich merchant or noble who'd like something fancy for their child.

[shaidar]

FWIW I think Astrid should train with the sword.

I think that the 18gp should be divided between the four of us for 4.5gp each, allowing Astrid to train.

For now we could hang into the armour, or maybe the other group might want it, as we are meeting them anyway. If not we could make enquiries while we are doing other things around the city.

[archolewa]

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OOC

FWIW I think Astrid should train with the sword.

I think that the 18gp should be divided between the four of us for 4.5gp each, allowing Astrid to train.

For now we could hang into the armour, or maybe the other group might want it, as we are meeting them anyway. If not we could make enquiries while we are doing other things around the city.

The other group probably won't. Only their fighter henchwoman (Gwen) can use it, and she already has plate. Feel free to ask, but I'd suggest asking in the OOC thread, since technically in the sword thread, Jalko hasn't left yet! We can fold inquiries about selling the mail into the scene with Ol' Will about feelers for Benjy. I figure we'll do that right here in this thread, since it's just you playing for now.

Also, which would you like Sebastian to train in? Shield or Blackjack? Shield will improve his defensive capabilities (an additional AC against 2 attacks, plus the ability to deflect one incoming attack), while Blackjack will improve his damage a little and increase his chances of knocking someone out.