Caravan

[*Darkrob]

"Hmm, should be able to handle it." *he nods*

Charles shakes your hand and informs you to report back here in 3 days time. He'll have your protective amulet waiting for you. He goes back to his desk and (hopefully) awaits another potential merc.

[*Darkrob]

Charles would return to his office and begin reading up on the destination, the route and the dangers expected. He would ensure his research (like all merchant research) covered everything from expected resources required in the area, resources expected to come from the area, populations, difficulty in travel, natural dangers, natural threats, criminal threats, etc. Everything and anything that might eventually end up being a liability, and therefore, an expense. If the cons (potential expenses) outweighed the pros (potential profits) it might not be worth the investment.

HeÂ’d still go, either wayÂ… if only to gauge a potential competitor.

[*Selebius]

Charles will find out that this place, Thanatos, is the 113th layer of the Abyss. It is the domain of Orcus, the Demon Prince of the Undead.

It is a place of eternal night, cold and the air so thin it is almost impossible to breathe. The whole layer is also infused with negative energy which is strong enough to slay every unprotected living being- given time.

Those dying there often rise again as undead or demons again- forever thralls to Orcus' will.

While there are some towns scattered over the layer they are mostly inhabited by native demons and undead and so the demand for most goods is rather low.

Of course there are always some who try their luck down there but demons make poor trading partners as they are rather fond breaking agreements and pacts.
Yet a lucky or crafty trader can make a lot of money- if he gets to find the right person to talk to. And survives that meeting.

[*Darkrob]

Charles would send the following note to Vara.

“Lady Vara

I am about to embark on a trade mission to a place named as Thantos, within the Abyss. IÂ’m sure you are aware of the dangers associated with the realm so I will refrain from repeating them for you. As a member of the Consortium, you have a vested interest in the outcome of this mission. Therefor I request two things from you in this regard. The first is an item, preferably a ring or amulet, that will protect me from the negative effects of the realm and the harsh environmental conditions present. It will be dangerous enough to deal with the denizens without having to worry about dying from exposure.

The second, should you agree, would be the inclusion of yourself on the mission. Basic research shows me that Consortium goods and materials (in bulk) would bring little return from the area but crafted and enchanted goods, from you and your students, might bring large returns. This might be a profitable enterprise for the Consortium if this is so.

Your experience in this area would serve our interests well. Please respond as soon as able with your decisions.

Thank you and good health.

Charles”

[*LiquidDreamer]

Charles receives the following letter in turn

Charles,

I gotcha hun.  As it stands, i'd like to visit Thantos myself for some raw materials for the school.  I'll work on an amulet to protect the both of us, it will be delivered in a few days.  Just tell me when we are departing and I'll put my party dress on.

Sincerly,

Vara Jorina

[*Tomekk]

*Reply to Mercenaries Sought S.I.G.I.S. post*

A hulking warrior of a drow by the name of Ra'zeth would ask around about the job at the office of the Consortium within a day.

[*Darkrob]

Charles would greet Ra'zeth and speak to him in fluent Undercommon once he realized the limits of his common.

“Should you accept the position, it would be for this journey only. You will be one of two mercenaries responsible for Consortium interests… my interests. We would be travelling on foot and you will be responsible for security for Consortium members first and other members second. For the journey, there and back, I am offering 5000 Jink. Not a small sum. Questions or concerns?”

[*Midnight]

As the consortium gathers its own scurity so does Emila. Leaving the bodies she found in The Mortuart (details discussed in a pm) unanimated for now. She leaves though the deepcrypts and into undersigil heading for the portal to Clangor. Knowing it would be foolish to head too deeply in alone she draws her blade and awaits the first patrol.

[*Selebius]

Emila is greeted by a stroke of thunder as somewhere outside this fortress a siege engine fired or perhaps two cubes collided almost too close to Clangor itself.

The air is stale, cold and dry with a faint scent or burning stone and metal and Emila does not have to wait long before she is noticed.

A squad of six Hobgoblins approaches her, heavily armoured, four of them readying their swords, the other two nocking arrows. One of them bellows a hard, rough sounding command in their native tongue and they advance on Emila with the precision of a well trained military unit.

[*Midnight]

Emila does not waste time trying to parly. She is here to kill not to alk and they would not listen anyway. She takes the time the Hobgoblins use to ready themselves to cast divine power and then with her shield covering her chest against the wooden arrows she charges.