Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

[Tassadar]

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

Therion had seen better days. The monsters that had come from the sky two years ago had done a great deal of damage to the ancient city, and the war against the orcs hadn't left much in the way of funds or effort to restore the damaged sections besides the homes of the rich and the mercantile district. Much of the slums were still in some level of disrepair, but even so the city was by and large recovering well from the alien invasion.

Possessing little other than the clothes on her back and the sword at her side, Robin entered into the city after fleeing in the night in search of some way to make something of herself. The city guards, either inexperienced whelps or men who were by all rights too old to wield a sword to Robin's eyes, waved her in without bothering to talk to her. Therion had always been a fairly open city, and the queen hadn't attempted to change that despite the war with the orcs and the continued threat posed by the invaders. Some had complained about that, but the opposition to such changes among the populace had been stronger and the queen of the city had not been swayed.

A party of young women had entered the city ahead of her, girls who giggled into the sleeves of their robes excitedly. Academy girls no doubt, if judged solely by the cut of their robes and the learner's insignia on their shoulders. Probably all nobles as well, but likely from a more rural area judging by how they gawked at everything they passed. Garbed as a young nobleman as she was, Robin hadn't been immune to inclusion in that when they'd skipped by her, but there were plenty of other things to take the trio's attentions, and she barely earned a giggle from the three of them.

Immediately past the gates were a number of stalls hawking a wide variety of cheap trinkets, as well as cheap food and drink for passing travelers. Guards wandered about, eyes pealed for thieves or ruffians, which didn't seem to be present. The trio continued on down the road, skipping merrily and chatting among themselves while Robin was left to decide on what she ought to do. She'd come into the merchants district, a place where many fortunes had been made and some lost. Trying to find a place to stay, either upscale in order to assure herself suitable lodgings and privacy, cheaper lodgings to keep her living costs as low as possible, or somewhere in between would likely be a good idea, but it was only early afternoon and she had plenty of time to kill.

There were plenty of places to look for a job if that was what suited her, either among the taverns or among the guilds. The former might net her more underhanded and possible even criminal work, but would result in quicker pay. The merchants guilds often hired skilled fighters as guards, but that would mean long hours and low pay, at least at first. The mercenaries guilds offered more exciting (and more efficiently profitable) but also more dangerous work, while the local merchants and nobles might offer small tasks themselves that they hadn't yet sent to the other guilds to take care of. The choice was hers to make.

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Robin gave the passing trio of Academy girls what she hoped was a dashing smile. The road had been long and the ever present possibility of her father attempting to betray their agreement was always nagging at the back of her mind. It was only once she had entered into Therion itself, loosely guarded as it was, that she felt the darkness lift from her mind.

Taking the first truly free breath since she set out, she took in the site of the mercantile district. The cheap stalls immediately fell beneath her notice as she gauged her options. She had to admit that without her true family name they were more limited than she was used to. The Merchants Guild was considered but quickly thrown out. She would have dealings with them sooner or later but she wanted to be in a position of strength before approaching them.

The other options were quickly assessed but put on the back burner for now. More than anything she wanted to start making connections in this city and that meant greasing palms and playing nice with the locals for pocket money. But their petty favors today meant more options tomorrow.

“After all, it's not what you know... it's who you know...” She recited to herself softly. Once she had more capitol and a better reputation in the city she could begin moving onto her bigger plans.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

There were a great many lesser nobles and merchants in Therion whom Robin might be able to find a task from. The less than centralized nature of such an objective, however, meant that she would have to do a bit of leg work in order to find them. Fortunately, there were places where one might search for people to ask, and being a noble herself, she knew just where to look.

The nobles and merchants themselves rarely came together in numbers in any sort of place that Robin could simply walk into, of course. But, if one wanted to do someone a favor, asking them was hardly the best place to start with. No, if you wanted to help a merchant or nobleman with a private problem, you had to talk to their servants first. So, Robin headed to a relatively upscale bar in the northern portion of the city, where the high paid servants of nobles and merchants often went to relax and unwind after a hard day of work.

After about an hour of chatting around the common room of the Winking Mermaid, Robin had found numerous avenues through which she might ingratiate herself with the noble houses and merchants of Therion. None had suspected her actual sex either, at least as far as she'd been able to tell.

Firstly, she learned from a manservant that a fabric merchant was awaiting a caravan from the East that was carrying fine silks from the Amazon. The orc war had done much to disrupt trade, and it was the first such trade caravan to come in the two years since the invasion, meaning that demand was extremely high. He'd already contacted the city council and the mercenaries guild, but both had rebuffed him saying that it had likely been lost to the orcs, and now he was searching for someone else to discover what had become of his caravan. The merchant's office was nearby, only a few streets South of where Robin currently was.

Secondly, a butler of the Xex noble house, a family of wizards with numerous connections to the Academy, had told her that a member of the family had gone missing. One of the patron's daughters had apparently eloped with a blacksmith's son, and the patriarch of the family wanted someone to track the two of them down and return her. Though the father was "positively livid" according to the butler, he allegedly preferred that neither his daughter nor her lover be harmed, and only desired to know that his daughter was safe and happy. The head of the household, Devlin Xex, wanted to speak to anyone who accepted such a task first, and their mansion was a ways to the West.

Another merchant had apparently run afoul of a local criminal organization according to one who claimed to be the owners brother. Anders Brekov was an imported booze merchant who had refused to be extorted by the White Dragons, a "group of ruffians from the Amazon" according to Dexter, his brother. He had already hired a bodyguard, but apparently wanted someone who was willing and able to do what the city guards apparently weren't, and get the group to leave him be either through negotiation or violence. He was located on the Western side of the city, near the docks.

The maid of another noble house, the Hodrims, told of a private problem on the grounds of the family estate that the family would like dealt with quietly. Robin had heard of the Hodrims, but had never met any of them. They were an old family, and several kings and queens of Therion numbered among their ancestry. They had a bit of elven and faerie blood in them as well, if the tales she'd heard were true, and many of them allegedly lived to be over a hundred. The maid wouldn't go into detail about it, but asked Robin to go to their estate just North of Therion if she was interested, and stressed that she should arrive well before nightfall if she could.

Finally, one man who seemed positively delighted to find Robin asking for things to do told her of a house Dres that was looking for someone to help them with another private matter, about which he would give no details save that it was not to be spoken of, but that it would pay extremely well and would garner the house's favor in future endeavors. She was given a note with an address and a name on it, "Weyland" and told to say that she'd been sent for that name if she took up his offer. He left immediately afterwards, giving no information on where the address might be and without giving a name or position within house Dres.

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

The Winking Mermaid has been a treasure trove of useful information. Robin knew that she needed consider them carefully lest she get in over her head. Some of the options were more suspect than the others; especially that man from the house Dres.

The noble house Hodrims had immediately caught her attention as a family to curry favor with. Their ties to the Throne couldn't be ignored and she briefly wondered if they still held the ear of the Queen. Either way, she knew that they needed discreet help and that she would want to be there to give it.

She rose from her seat at the bar and left a tip for the barkeep. She hadn't actually ordered anything but it would be rude not to. Especially since she intended to return in the future for both business and pleasure.

Giving a friendly nod to the barkeep on the way out she immediately set out for the Hodrims estate. She wasn't sure why it needed to be well before nightfall but she would respect the request.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

(Lose however many denarii you want to tip the barman with.)

Since the Hodrim estate was outside of the city walls, Robin had to go back out through the city gates in order to reach it. Given that it was autumn in Crolia, snow was already on the ground in a thin fluffy coating, but that didn't reduce the hazards presented by traveling alone out there any less. The guards told her to watch for bandits as she stepped through gates, ending with a polite "good sir" for good measure once they recognized that she wore the garbs of a nobleman. It was still early afternoon, and she had plenty of time to make it to the estate, finish her business, and get back before the sun fell.

Despite the guard's warning about bandits, the hour long walk along a road to the Hodrim estate was uneventful, and all too soon she spotted the huge manor sitting atop a hill off in the distance. She had to pass a set of gates to get there, but the private guards waved her through once she told them about the maid she'd spoken to. She was instructed to go and see the head of the household, Sir Roger Hodrim, who would be eating lunch in his office on the third floor at this time.

As she passed through the gates and onto the Hodrim estate, Robin noticed several things. Firstly, that the estate grounds were massive, covering a huge amount of land that was only partially developed, the wall surrounding it and marking the Hodrim lands extending into and disappearing within a forest that lay within the boundaries of their land. Secondly, past the corner of the main house and just barely visible over the peak of the hill upon which it stood, the top of another mansion was visible, though it looked to be in a state of extreme disrepair. And finally, there were a great many more guards present than seemed really necessary.

Having no better options at the time, Robin headed up the path leading to the mansion doors, which was paved in fine white stone and lined with low growing but colorful and well maintained shrubberies. The large oaken doors, their surface covered in fine carvings, were opened after she made use of the silver knocker, a young woman in a skimpy maid's outfit greeting her with a pleasant smile and a bow that showed off a great deal of cleavage. Coming up from her bow, the maid began to speak quickly but clearly, the back of her red ponytail hanging onto her shoulder until she flicked it aside; "Welcome to the Hodrim estate sir. May I take your coat? Would you care for some refreshments?"

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

(I'm going to go with 5 denarii. Is there a rule of thumb for such prices?)

Robin felt reassured about her choice to pay a visit to the House of Hodrim. Their land was vast even by her standards and well protected to the point of excess. Their extreme security could be excused by whatever had unnerved the members of the House.

The abandoned mansion caused a twinge of curiosity run through her body but she reasoned that there could be many caused for it to be abandoned. As she made her way to the mansion doors, she briefly entertained herself with a dark foreboding tale that wouldn't likely match up to the reality.

She paused for a moment at the door to take a impressed look at the carvings. The fact that they, much like the path she walked here, were in great condition spoke highly of the occupants. Her hand found the silver knocker and she delivered a polite three strikes to the door.

She found herself mildly surprised to find a young maid answering the door instead of a stately butler she was expecting. As her eyes instinctively traced the young woman’s curves she decided it was a pleasant surprise indeed. Additionally, she noted that her skimpy uniform meant that the Head of the House was most likely at least a little perverted and had the liquid funds to pay for his taste in servants.

Robin took a quick stock of her own person after the maid offered to take her coat. Her breasts were bound well enough to be hidden under her shirt and the shirt itself hide her subtle curves well enough. Besides, a guest refusing to doff his jacket would be regarded as both rude and a little suspicious.

“A pleasure to be here. Would you kindly?” Robin removed her coat and passed it to the maid. “I would like to meet with the Head of the House at his earliest convenience but I would be glad to have a cup of tea until then.”

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

The maid gingerly took Robin's coat with another bow and replied; "Right away sir, I'll place this in the coat room and notify him of your arrival immediately after notifying one of the other maids of your desires. If you will follow me, I will take you to the guest's waiting room where you may make yourself comfortable." Bowing once more, she then turned and led Robin a short ways down the lavishly decorated hallway and to a fairly modest room with a table and some chairs. She had paused to hang Robin's coat up in a closet along the way, and when they arrived at the room the maid turned toward Robin and said; "You may make yourself comfortable in here sir. Another servant will be here shortly to service you."

She bowed again and then left through another door, leaving Robin alone for about a minute. The room was filled with numerous comfortable looking chairs placed around a table in the center, and whether she sat or not another maid in a skimpy outfit arrived shortly, this one a girl with dark hair who looked a little bit older. A fairly impressive amount of cleavage was on display, and the woman gave Robin a smile that was perhaps too friendly and said; "Good day sir. How may I service you?"

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Robin obediently followed the maid through the grand hallway and mentally kept track of her position in the mansion. As she entered the more modest waiting room, she responded to the maid's parting words with a ; “Thank you, kindly.”

She found a comfortable looking corner chair to sit in that also bore the advantage of facing the doorway and allowing her to keep her sword at her side. She would most likely have to surrender it before the meeting but she didn't want to part with it until then. Having a moment to herself she found herself briefly lost in thought.

'That maid is probably the acting butler, uniform aside. Perhaps this Lord Hadrim has an all female staff?' She pondered. 'Vaguely scandalous, but this estate is fairly isolated.'

She paused as she noticed the new maid enter the room. Knowing it could look poorly if she stood for a servant, she remained seated as she scanned the very nice figure presented and listened.

“Good day to you as well.” Robin returned her smile. “A cup of tea, if it wouldn't be too much trouble. And perhaps a bit of company to enjoy it with?”

Internally, her warning bells were giving tentative rings. The new maid seemed a bit more friendly than professionally expected but it could just be her way. Or she was sent in intentionally for some other reason. Either way, Robin would play along if only to find out more about what was going on.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

"Of course sir!" the maid replied evenly and curtsied again. "We have a wide selection of both local and foreign teas, ranging widely in sweetness. Would you like sugar, cream, milk, or honey with your tea?" When Robin had made a selection the maid curtsied again and then departed, returning a minute or so later with a tray containing all of the accoutrements necessary for one to properly enjoy a cup of tea. She asked him a number of quick questions and mixed the tea exactly according to Robin's specifications. Then, taking his suggestion, the curvy dark haired maid daintily lowered herself into a chair opposite Robin and folded her hands in her lap, smiling charmingly. "If there is anything else you might desire my lord, you need only make me aware of it."

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

“Lovely.” Robin wasn't sure to which she was referring more: the tea or the company. Her initial suspicion was relaxed a little bit when the maid prepared the tea in front of her. A beautiful blend of Crolian flavors aged just enough to bring out their full flavor and best served with a touch of honey. The tea was exquisite as well.

Robin initially spent a few minutes making idle chit chat about unimportant things before deciding to broach the subject of the help needed in House Hadrim. It wouldn't do to ask a her directly about it but she could indirectly question her about things she'd seen on her way in.

“Your Lord certainly has a vast estate.” She began, discreetly beginning to gauge the maids reactions. “Even the wealthiest of Nobles in my homeland couldn't hold a candle to it. And it seems he protects it well considering how numerous his guards are.”

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

The maid proved quite happy to engage in idle chatter, and also proved quite refined and knowledgeable regarding a surprising assortment of topics. When Robin finally decided to approach the topic that had brought her hear, the maid seemed unperturbed by the initial question and evenly replied, "Oh yes, over three hundred acres! It takes a great deal of effort to upkeep it all, but the land is profitable enough to make up for all of the expenses."

Her two observations were met with the same sort of even response, "The world isn't as safe as it once was, the additional protection is sadly necessary in these dark times. I count myself lucky to be here where it's relatively safe, the reports from the smaller villages bordering the war are enough to twist the heart and the stomach all at once! I imagine things must be difficult in the regions to the East for the common folk and the nobles alike, and I shudder to think of those trapped in the lands captured by those beastial orcs!"

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

'Orcs? This far west?' Robin thought the herself. 'It's possible that some raiding parties stole their way past The Pass of Ghosts. Or this is her being clever...'

“Truly barbaric, those orcs. I shudder at the horrors they inflict on our people and our lands.” Robin paused to look into her tea briefly, before looking back up. “Many troubles visit Crolia recently. Even so close to the capitol, am I right?”

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

"Oh yes, many troubles indeed! We haven't sighted any orcs this far West of course, but many brigands roam the woods and roads, unnoticed by all but their victims thanks to the war diverting everyone's attentions. I've heard tell of bands of those horrible alien creatures creeping about to the South as well, but such are only rumors I pray. I shudder to think that another attack like the one from two years ago might occur!" the maid seemed genuinely mortified by the idea, and Robin likely couldn't blame her very much for that.

The maid that had greeted Robin at the entrance knocked on the door a moment later, waiting until she'd caught Robin's attention before saying, "Lord Hodrim will see you now, my lord."

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

“The tales of banditry is troubling indeed.” Robin began, “It seems that the guards in Therion are aware of it but don't seem to be able to do anything about it. Too many of their men were sent to the front. And those creatures...”

Robin paused to consider what she'd learned. It was likely that a group of bandit were making their presence known to this house, perhaps even making camp somewhere on the estate. She looked up a noticed the previous maids arrival and listened to her announcement.

“Thank you for your time and the lovely tea.” Robin gave the maid a charming smile, before rising to her feet. “I shouldn't keep him waiting.”

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

The maid accepted the praise with a seated bow, not an easy thing to do by any means, "The pleasure was mine, my lord! I am always happy to entertain my master's guests." She rose as Robin did and gave her a curtsy as he departed with the other maid, who led him silently up the steps to the second floor. The maid's dress showed off a great deal of leg, particularly from where Robin was standing behind her, and she cot a few peaks at the woman's bright pink panties before they reached the top.

Another short walk down a corridor and the maid paused in front of a closed door, turning toward Robin and bowing slightly as she explained, "My master waits for you within, my lord." Without further ado she opened the door and stepped inside, holding it open so that Robin could enter. Inside was a lavishly furnished study, the walls coated in so many shelves of books that it could just as easily have been called a library. A fire was going in a hearth formed from iron and marble, but the comfortable looking padded chairs sitting around it were all empty. A middle aged man with dark hair and very thick eyebrows with a matching mustache was pacing back and forth past one of the rooms many high, glass paned windows, his expression troubled and distracted. Upon seeing Robin he beckoned for her to come in, and when Robin was several paces within the room the maid stepped out of the room and departed.

There was a soft click from the door, and when the man was sure that they were alone he quietly asked, "What's your name son? And can you keep a secret?" He looked into Robin's eyes, his charcoal eyes piercing but themselves impenetrable as he awaited her response.

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Robin returned the maid's curtsey with an acknowledging nod that bordered on a bow. Giving her a parting smile and a wink she followed the other maid out of the room. As she followed the head maid up to the second floor she couldn't help but notice the flashes of pink under the maid's skirt. Scandalous or not, she was becoming exceptionally fond of this place.

As the maid opened the door, Robin took this moment to collect herself. She gave a brief nod to the head maid before taking three paces into the room and bowing to the Master of the House. She remained in this position until he beckoned her closer and she obliged him as she heard the door close behind her.

“Good Afternoon, Lord Hodrim. My name is Robin Neudaiz.” Robin stated with practiced ease. “And yes, I can keep a secret. Of that I can assure you.”

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

The man remained silent and held his gaze for a moment before smiling slightly more broadly than he had been before, "Well, Robin Neudaiz, would you be willing to bet your life on it? Would you be willing to swear, on pain of death, that you can keep a secret for me? And, more importantly, would you be willing to put that in writing?" Lord Hodrim's smile never flickered, and his expression gave no more hints about his true intentions than his words had.

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Robin paused as she heard his request and met his eyes. She was already prepared for such a demand from him but it wouldn't do to seem impulsive. “Yes. The ability to keep an Oath should be the basis of all societies. I, Robin Neudaiz, swear on pain of death that whatever secrets you, Lord Hodrim, see fit to divulge to me today shall not be divulged to anyone else until you release me to do so. And I will affirm this Oath in writing if that is what you wish.”

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

"Excellent," Lord Roger Hodrim began, "With gumption like that you'll go far in life! Correct me if I'm wrong, but you look as if you're from noble stock yourself. Is that so?" The nobleman raised an eyebrow, but at the same time he gestured toward a fine mahogany table which had a piece of paper on it. "If you would be so kind as to sign that contract affirming what you've said, we can get down to business."

The contract itself was made of a very strange, thick piece of paper that was somewhat yellow, its color intensified by the firelight in which it was cast. The writing upon it was inscribed in faintly glowing red ink, and beside the Hodrim seal that took up much of the bottom of the page was another, much smaller seal that Robin didn't recognize. It read:

The signatory of this contract does solemnly swear, upon their honor, their property in its entirety, their title if any, and their life, that they will abide by their word as described herein. Firstly, that no mention of this meeting shall ever be uttered to an uninvolved party as chosen by the writer of this contract, Lord Roger Phineleus Hodrim. Secondly, that the topics discussed in this meeting shall not be revealed to any third party, under any circumstances, unless permission is explicitly given by the writer of this contract, Lord Roger Phineleus Hodrim. Thirdly, even if the signatory of this contract does not deign to perform as requested by the writer of this contract, Lord Roger Phineleus Hodrim, they will remain bound by their own word and the wording of this contract unless released by the writer of this contract, lord Roger Phineleus Hodrim.

Any breach of this contract, a legally binding document as dictated by the High Court of Therion and signed by no less than four notary publics, will be responded to both by the full extent of the law and by measures taken by the writer of this contract, Lord Roger Phineleus Hodrim. These measures include, but are not limited to; forfeiture of all properties held by the signatory, forfeiture of any and all titles held by the signatory as recognized by the High Court of Therion, and the surrender of the signatory's life should they survive the breach of this contract.

All in all, it was a fairly standard contract as far as the upper class of Therion were concerned. The only bit was the last sentence, "should they survive the breach of this contract," but that could be assumed to suggest that the information had been tortured out of Robin. No less than six stamps from notaries, three of whom Robin recognized the crest of, had been placed below the line in which she was expected to sign.

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

“Yes, my father married into one of the Noble houses.” Robin stated. “Although my brother has taken all title and property as his due.”

'There's no need to let him know it's my younger brother. Too many question would be raised.' Robin thought to herself, as she made her way to the mahogany table. She paused to consider the contract placed before her and carefully considered it. The contract's material was uncommon but that could be attributed to the house responsible for it.

Giving the document a thorough read through she found nothing that she could disagree with. Although she made a mental note that they expected someone to try to force this information out of her. She paused to consider the notaries stamped below the signature line and if she found nothing amiss then she signed 'Robin Neudaiz' to the line.

It was technically true, as far as the courts and the nobility would be concerned. It was her mother's maiden name before her marriage to her father. And during her father's second marriage, he had to take his new bride's name as she had a much higher social standing than his first wife. All in all it was a common way to 'forget' a child from a previous marriage that was now a disadvantage.