The concept of a cold contract may not be something that many are familiar with but for the dwarves of the Trusted Axe Cartel its given to the few contracts that are broken before the metal has had a chance to cool down. And this contract is a rather big deal for these dwarves.
So set aside the coffee for now and grab a tankard for something a bit harder as we pay a visit to some dwarves in tonight’s adventure!
The sound of metal striking metal and the hiss of tempering steel is the sound that can be expected from the Trusted Axe cartel’s workshop. But when the sound has stopped and only furious yelling and the breaking of furniture can be heard from one of the adjacent rooms it is a sign that something has gone wrong.
A brokered deal, regular and pay held in good faith goes south and when the deposit is requested the money goes missing. Evidence points to foul play by the once clients, but there is more to this story than clients that want to skip out on the bill. Rivals, spies and even a take over are setting the forge cold and the anvils gathering dust.
Cold Contract
528MoCoCo
The upbeat merry song that caused the patrons at the Silver Ring Tavern to dance and sing along to the rather trashy and raunchy song continued to play as meals were brought out, tankards were brokered and the patrons not dancing engaged in games of chance. A gathering of well dressed men had taken over the largest booth near the back door and were spending gold seemingly as fast as they could while barmen and barmaids rushed back and forth with more ale, wine and food.
The song came to the end and the sound of applause and merriment rang out. This had been the norm at the Silver Ring Tavern from the party’s experience as they sat and enjoyed a few hours of joviality and good food while preparing for the next leg of their journey by cart and wagon. The sound of a door slamming open heralded the end to the good mood as half a dozen broad, angry dwarves pushed in. Each of them had the same tattoos on their right hand that marked them as the Trusted Axe Cartel – a group of merchants and well known smiths.
‘Where the bloody hell is the bastards?’ a young fiery dwarf called out causing the last moments of merriment to stop completely. ‘Where is Jeb and that long eared elf Tarnius or the pricks who sold them shite gear?’
When those in question didn’t come forth the dwarves started to walk amongst the tavern looking for them. The oldest dwarf, much less angry and more solemn limped up towards the barkeep and placed a bag of coin on the bar before whispering some hushed words. Soon one of the dwarves were at the party’s table and was looking them up as she was about to ask them some questions when the angry one from before roared out. ‘Who was sitting ere’?’
The corner where the well dressed, and wealthy, men and women were sitting lay vacant with a dusting of snow from the door that had not yet melted from the warmth of the hearth. ‘You adventurers don’t know anything about a group of merchants do ye?’ the woman asked them. She was much more calm talking than her counterpart who had now left the building to check outside with two of his companions.
‘Ye see we had a contract with Jeb and Tarnius to provide weapons, gear and armour to them for their guild for the next year – it is an ongoing contract and so the goods have been taken but the payment was to be in full once we provided the last of the kit. But we got a messenger this morn’ who came with the contract cancelled claiming that the merchandise delivered was trash. Upon inspecting what arrived at our doors it was not even dwarven make – no dwarf would ever sell what lay in the back of that wagon.’ there was a proud fire behind her steely eyes and soon the old dwarf had come to the same table followed by half a dozen tankards of ale. \
‘Well met travellers. Don’t be alarmed as we know who you are. Fil,’ he flicked a thumb at the barkeep, ‘he recommended you may be able to help if you have the time. He remembers seeing the group at the table spending big and harassing his boys and girls but he is not in a position to do anything about it. I am Garmanel, the leader of the Trusted Axe Cartel and this is Gondanel my ward. I have a proposition if you would share a tankard with me and listen to what I have to say. My grandson Garabek is the fiery one who you met before, he is intense like the forge but you won’t meet another as proud or skilled with hammer and tong. Or axe for that matter.’ he paused with a grin.
Thanks for visiting for another start of the week adventure kick off night. Don’t forget to come around for more adventure crafting tomorrow and the rest of the week as we continue to grow and expand this adventure into something memorable for our parties. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe
Brazen Wolfe Tabletop 