Posts from Lapistia

Through trial and error, and death.

Corey Baliston

Now that he's no longer an unknown bandit, he's no longer a threat.

Lawrence didn't want to attack the prison, and it wasn't even because it belonged to the friendly Ninsharr. He was generally against such criminal acts, especially when it involved rescuing criminals. But he had no choice; he could only submit to the magic that had ensnared him. Remai regretted the fallen soldiers, but there was nothing he could do. A small consolation for him was that he wasn't directly involved in their deaths, and his hands were clean. Although, right now, he was more concerned about what the prisoners had told him about the prison. Criminals should, of course, serve their sentences, but draining their energy and profiting from it... Moreover, some of them were imprisoned for minor offenses that clearly didn't warrant such punishment, which contradicted the very essence of justice. This news troubled him, and even more so was the fact that, apparently, the Queen knew about this place and what was happening there. Not to mention Nanaya. But did Aya know? Did she approve of her close associates' actions? The Princess was a friend of his wife, and Lawrence really wanted to meet her and talk about what he had seen. He was, of course, a staunch supporter of the law and always upheld it, but this was too much, especially if such a state of affairs was considered normal even for the Ninsharr.

Upon learning about what happened to Karoline, Randel hastened to suggest that Sarnissa sell the chalice. “It is an ancient and rare item, and also quite recent, considering that the pyramid was discovered very recently. Collectors from Arinas will pay well for it.”

I also wanted to suggest selling, by the way.

Some time after the events took place, Sarnissa announced a general assembly of the party. When all (?) the mercenaries gathered at the appointed location, she took the floor in her usual manner:
-So, gentlemen. Today's agenda consists of four important matters that I would like to resolve as soon as possible.
First, and perhaps one of the most critical—news from the prison we visited not long ago. You may not be aware, but one of the guards managed to escape or, more likely, hide in one of the living quarters, which significantly simplifies the Ninsharians' task of detecting us. And although they do not have much evidence, I strongly recommend that everyone, without exception, remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity that deserves our attention. Their "sunset" is no laughing matter.
The next part certainly concerns your hard-earned money. Although the amount is small, I am sure that in the future we will be able to obtain more; it is only a matter of time, successful contracts, and a positive reputation with employers. Yes, an important nuance: I am considering purchasing a small plot of land for the needs of our party, but this requires collecting a certain sum. Therefore, anyone willing may donate a portion of their own savings for their own, so to speak, benefit. Naturally, this is entirely at your discretion; it only affects how quickly we can acquire our own residential and storage facilities.
Thirdly, I must inform you of new contracts that have come into my hands. The primary objective, which I plan to adhere to over the next two years, comes from the same gentleman who commissioned us to plan the operation to liberate the prisoner from the Ninsharian prison. Now he offers us to retrieve certain stones of immortality held by some very famous... personalities on this continent. You will be able to review the list of relic owners later; however, we should not rush this mission, as it requires serious preparation, though we still have plenty of time. As for the current list of tasks, we have four options. Two of them involve providing assistance to the state side in military actions against the enemy: supporting the Tiliyans in their naval campaign against Nozenroth and aiding Geirt in the struggle against Sintan. In my opinion, these missions appear the least preferable and most risky. The next involves destroying the warriors of Elulu-Suen, who are terrorizing the lands of Illiniar. This task looks slightly more attractive, however, I am far from certain that we can defeat the elite warriors of this order without significant losses, which would be highly undesirable at the moment. Finally, the last contract involves the escort and protection of a caravan belonging to a certain individual from Arinasai during her journey through Ertenia. Among the advantages is that we will have the opportunity to visit major cities and sell off the gems from the prison, and generally, it wouldn't hurt to unwind a bit. The main disadvantage is primarily that the caravan's path lies through several Ninsharian cities, where our presence is now, for obvious reasons, extremely unwelcome. I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that during the journey, we will have the opportunity to simultaneously succeed in obtaining the stones of immortality, provided we arrive in the city called Iltan at a moment convenient for attacking one of the owners. Its governor—Carvelos—is the most convenient target in any case, and the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone in this manner seems preferable to me.
In conclusion, I would like to share some pleasant news: I have been honored to join the governing council of Yoheitan, which grants our party some notoriety and small privileges, which is certainly cause for celebration. Regarding recent troubles: to my great regret, as a result of an accident, Carolin is no longer with us, but I hope we will replenish this loss with new allies in the near future. That is all. Now, if anyone wishes to speak regarding the points I have listed, especially concerning the choice and execution of contracts—I will be glad to listen. If not and everyone is satisfied, then prepare for departure to Arinasai.

Added 6 minutes later

Upon learning what happened to Carolin, Randell hurried to suggest that Sarnissa sell the chalice. "The item is ancient and rare, and furthermore, very fresh, considering the pyramid was opened quite recently. The collectors of Arinasai will pay well for it."

-I have thought about it myself, but I will decide once we are there. -Something, however, suggested to Sarnissa that the invisible link between the pyramid, the murder of the Kalevrit expedition leader, and the theft of the chalice—up until the moment it was discovered in her office—did not allow her to simply sell the artifact to the first random traders she met, regardless of what riches they promised in return.

What about James? We should probably know about him, especially him.

We should know about this.

So that we can strike from behind when he least expects it.

- I think selling the artifact to collectors is unwise for another reason: we don't know its full power, - Dalia decided to share her ideas, - it would be wiser to sell it to the Prismarians, who can fully study its properties. This would be much safer for us and for those around us. Besides, my father has certain connections in Prismaria, which may make the sales process easier for us.

Added 30 seconds ago

To strike from behind when he doesn't expect it.

Because seven thousand doesn't just lie around on the road...

Added 6 minutes ago
And let's have a vote on the squad skill. I'm for the enhanced ability, as it's the most optimal option. It's flexible, unlikely to impose penalties, and can be very useful.

- I don't think that's a good idea, - Randel disagreed. - Firstly, selling through an intermediary, especially on another continent, will take a lot of time. And secondly, those to whom you demonstrate the capabilities of this chalice will be more willing to part with a large sum of money than those who haven't even seen it. Besides, for one reason or another, we will still end up in Arinasai if we follow the contract chosen by the leader, and who knows, maybe Yokheythana will no longer be here when we return from our next mission... Ha-ha-ha!

Added after 42 seconds
Meanwhile, Sarnisse received another new letter.

Just open it right away.

Added 2 minutes later
- Considering your carefulness towards your belongings and pets, Randel, by the time we return, you will definitely be with us.

And I won't. Letters are coming to Sarnisse, not to you.

Added 5 minutes later

- Considering your careful attitude towards your belongings and pets, Randel, by the time we return, you will definitely be with us.

- You're right, ha-ha. - Randel patted Dalia on the shoulder. - But I still think that it would be faster and more profitable to sell this thing to Arinas... Oh! I've even thought of a better option now, we can use the auction, if we have time, and demonstrate the abilities of the bowl right during it, then the money will flow like a river!

As if we couldn't sneak into her office and open the envelopes...

What about James? We should probably know about this, especially him.

Forgot, lol.
While everyone is discussing this, I'm going to the office to get a letter.