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Roadside Stop 2

Opening

kyra
We're close now. The twin bridges are just a few hours away.
apate
There's the inn where we spent the night last we passed through here.
kyra
We're not doing that now, that's for sure.
barlowe
Hold a moment. As a matter of fact, it may be prudent to make a short stop.
A small mercenary company has set its headquarters in the area.
We may be able to hire some extra hands before we cross into Tartaros.
kyra
Oh yeah, those guys... I'm a little shocked they're still here.
apate
The margrave is correct, Kyra. We could use more troops.
kyra
...Fine. Let's make it quick.

(The group approaches a caravan advertising the services of three mercenaries.)

eudoxus
(smiling) Come one, come all, and heed my words,
for I am the great merchant, Eudoxus!

The roads are treacherous these days, ladies and gentlemen.
Have you never pondered how much safer you'd feel,
if you had not neglected to hire protectors before you set out?
Let woe consume you not, for I bring the solution to your plight!
These here mercenaries are the cream of the crop!
Hire them to never again know the meaning of the word “danger”!

Alas, today is the final day we shall remain here.
I am close to sealing... the greatest deal any merchant ever has!
To celebrate the occasion, a most astounding clearance sale!
Hire your first for free, and the second at a discount!
Thus says the great merchant, Eudoxus. Now!
Step up to the plate, and don't be shy! I shall hear all bids!

apate
That was the worst sales pitch I have heard in my life.
kyra
Yes, that's what I said the first time too...
Let's just grab the free guy and hurry onward.
barlowe
Let me assess our options. I shall give what advice I can.

Conversations

Eudoxus

eudoxus
(smiles) Hehehe... You have returned at last!
Remind me what your name was, lad.
kyra
Again? I'm not a... Oh, who cares.
I'm Kyra. I want to hire a mercenary.
eudoxus
Marvelous! Absolutely and utterly marvelous!
Do make use of our special promotion--
kyra
Yeah, yeah, I remember.
Let's just get on with it. I'm really pressed for time.
eudoxus
Naturally, naturally... Do take your time.
Speak to the mercenaries, get to know them--

(Kyra leaves before Eudoxus can finish. He sputters.)

Oh-- Why, how... How rude.

Fructuoso

fructuoso
(smiling) Greetings! I am a law-abiding citizen trying to make some coin.
My name is Fructuoso, and I am equipped with a custom-made suit of armor.
You ain't ever-- I mean, you have never seen a warrior like me!
kyra
Yeah, yeah. I remember.
fructuoso
Sorry. Wasn't sure you did.
It's nice to see you again. Hope this time you pick me...
barlowe
Well, the aesthetic value of his, er, “custom-made” armor is questionable...
But it should block blows just as well as any other suit of armor.
...If it does not do more damage to him than the blows would...
fructuoso
W-Well, it does still hurt a little to move with it on...
(smiles) But I'm getting better at it!
barlowe
Well, I wager we could do far worse for a sturdy vanguard.
apate
Provided he does not run at the first sign of danger...
Look at him skitter about. The sign of a coward.
(Fructuoso fidgets awkwardly.)
fructuoso
H-Have a little faith, wouldja? I need this. I really need this.
Nobody'll hire me and that guy is awful at hyping me up.
Gettin' desperate here. C'mon! Pick me, please!
Pretty please with a cherry on top...

If you accept

(Fructuoso jumps in surprise.)
fructuoso
(smiles) S-Shiver me timbers! I'm... I'm hired?!

(Fructuoso bounces with joy.)

Oh, happy day! I'm hired, I'm hired!

kyra
Don't let me down now. I want my money's worth.
fructuoso
You're not paying for me, though...
kyra
Exactly. So just relax, all right? Don't overdo it.

(Fructuoso salutes.)

fructuoso
Yes, chief! I'll be your shield, long as you need me!

If you refuse

fructuoso
Yeah, that was to be expected...
Well. If you change your mind, I'll be here! Waiting!
Hoping! Praying! Probably c-crying a little bit too!

Scymerius

scymerius
Hey there. It's been a while.
Have you ran into any trouble since we last met?
kyra
Whole bunch.
scymerius
Figures.
Well, trouble and me have something of an affinity.
Hire me, and I shall keep it away from you going forward.
How about it? You won't make the same mistake twice, will you?
barlowe
I do not trust it, Kyra.
This person reeks of suspicion.
A past soaked in blood, perhaps...
scymerius
What's it to you, old man?
barlowe
We do not know the first thing about you. Not even your name.
You can hardly expect us to place our trust in you, can you?
scymerius
We've been over this. My name is Scymerius.
apate
I have heard many names in my years wandering this world.
That name does not exist. You lie through your teeth and helmet.
scymerius
Yeah, I probably need a better one, do I...
Still, the fact is, I am good with a lance.
Want something skewered and skewered fast, call on me.
barlowe
Admittedly, they do carry themselves as an experienced warrior would.
Their past is dubious, but they have little reason to harbor ill motives against us.
If you wish for a swift lancer, they would be a fine choice.
scymerius
I promise I'll be on my best behavior.
...Pinky promise?

If you accept

scymerius
It was to be expected. I am the best of this rabble.
kyra
Don't get ahead of yourself. You are clearly untrustworthy.
So make sure you don't set even one toe out of line.
You'll find we're the wrong crowd to wrong.
scymerius
Please. Why would I want to wrong my employer?
That just invites bad word of mouth. Worst thing for a merc.
Simply tell me who you want dead and I'll do the rest.
kyra
We'll see.

If you refuse

scymerius
Was it something I said?
Fine. Don't come crying to me when you regret your choice, though.
...Or actually, do come crying. I'll be happy to join up if you change your mind.

Vasiliki

vasiliki
(smiles) Hi! Remember me? I'm Vasiliki!
I'm still here! Because... Nobody's hired me!
But maybe you could be the one to hire me!
Unlike last time, when you left me in the dust!
apate
She looks utterly worthless as a combatant.
kyra
...Getting a sense of déjà vu here...
vasiliki
(smiles) Don't worry. I've improved a lot since the last time.
I'm even better at smiling through the pain now!
Smile... Smile... D-Dammit, smile harder...!
barlowe
Well, I would feel guilty if I did not at least grant you a chance.
Have you any other talents that could aid us in our campaign?
vasiliki
I-I do have a bit of a hobby of picking special herbs...
Did you know there are thousands of different plants in the world?
One day I hope to learn more about them...
kyra
To summarize, she knows how to make vulneraries.
vasiliki
I'm... kinda slow at it, though... And I can't make them in bulk...
(Vasiliki bounces earnestly.)
vasiliki
(smiles) B-But yeah! If you hire me, I'll totally make you some vulneraries!
barlowe
That could be helpful. It is at least worth considering, Kyra.
apate
Hmph... What need have we for some amateur apothecary?
My staves can do anything she could muster, tenfold.
vasiliki
(smiling) ...Gulp...!

If you accept

vasiliki
(smiles) Oh, thank you so, so, so much! You won't regret it!
I'm gonna try my very best! I'll make you proud, boss!
kyra
It's just Kyra.
And don't overexert yourself now, you hear?
I don't want your death on my conscience.
Look out for yourself above all else.
vasiliki
(serious) W-Wow... We just met and you're showing such concern...
You're hiring ME to protect YOU, you know!
(smiles) Real pleasure to be working for such kind people! Yessiree!

If you refuse

vasiliki
(smiling) Don't worry. I understand. No hard feelings. This is life.
If by any chance you change your mind, let me know, all right?

After Choosing a Mercenary

eudoxus
(smiles) Ahah! A deal has been made! A deal of epic proportions, dare I say!
This brave soul is yours. Thy bidding will be followed, and thy life be safe!
Hehehe... And now, let us discuss the rates for the other--
kyra
We don't have more time to waste. Let's go.
apate
Indeed.
(They leave.)
barlowe
Oh-- I thought we would first say “goodbye” and “no, thank you!”
Wait for me! Please, wait...!

(He leaves.)

eudoxus
......
(grins) Hehehe... No matter! This is all an irrelevant diversion!
Soon... Soon, I will make the greatest deal in the history of business!
My name shall be etched in history! Eudoxus, master merchant!
Hehehehehehehe!

Inn

innkeeper
Urgh... Good day to you. Do you need a room, or...?
Ah, forgive me. It's just... It's those accursed freeloaders outside!
Apparently they're leaving soon. The guy won't stop prattling on about it.
Something or other about a “great deal” he's cut. Yeah, right.
How about you pay what you owe me, you stinking, shameless...

(He sighs heavily.)

(closes eyes) At this point I've lost all hope. The cheapskate will never pay up.
(opens eyes) Bah. I guess I'll just celebrate when he's finally gone.
Dastard... Whatever that “great deal” of his is, I hope he chokes on it!

Character Descriptions

Eudoxus
A merchant who claims to be “great,” despite all evidence to the contrary.

Merchant
A merchant carrying goods inside a fragile wagon.

Fructuoso
A skittish former brigand who can't quite embrace the mercenary life.

Scymerius
A secretive lancer whose insistence on hiding their face is suspicious at best.

Vasiliki
A spunky young huntress trying to make ends meet with her bow.