Delver's Guild

I start with Ears of the City again… it's a fun little spell, and only requires I be in the city. So… I start focusing on topics in the mass of shifting, scattered sounds from around the city.

How can a few women at arms find short term work?

“The mercenaries guild is always looking for fresh meat.” Sounds like maybe someone trying to comfort an out of work friend over some beer? It's just an out of context scrap of conversation.

Where do I find them?

“I got the extra muscle for the meeting at the guildhouse, just outside the Palace, north along the river. No, they're not OUR men, but they'll fight for us if the Twins try to pull a nasty surprise, but I'm mostly banking on the extra manpower making them not try it.” Sounds more like a merchant talking to an apprentice this time.

Are they recognized as a valid guild?

“Hey, look, the guild’s take covers our charter with the Dutchess, vetting of clients, and most importantly, confirming it was posted as a legal job when things go sideways. That last bit has saved me from the tattoo parlor three times. The 20% is well spent.” Nice to get a chunk from a member.

How well do they get along with the crown?

“No, the Dutchess doesn't like the guild. She does, however, pay us well to beef up the watch when she feels the need to tap palace security for a diplomatic trip, and she absolutely pays out on the standing contract when something big and scary gets a bit too close to town. She doesn't LIKE us, but she certainly NEEDS us, which is how we renew the charter every year.” Huh, that sounds like someone used to not needing to explain? Someone helping run the guild, I guess.

Hmm. What are my other options….

I similarly work my way through the town guard (who are looking for permanent people for rather dull work most of the time), the palace guard (likewise, but also magical background checks), and three distinct merchant companies looking for direct hires to replace lost members of their caravan guards. Those look somewhat tempting… decent backups if the Merc's guild doesn't pan out.

The divinations don't take long - Magic is good like that - so I spend some time earning pocket money. For me, that's straightforward: I buy cheap weapons and sell them as their masterwork counterparts after using Masterwork Transformation on them. I pocket a few thousand towards my project, and am really looking forward to when I can finally finish it.

I head back to the ship on schedule, and find that everyone is all smiles.

Alice starts, “So… seems dungeons are a thing here, and they pay people to go down the hole. We can be actual Dungeon Delvers!”

“I found that too! The Delver's Guild! Already paid the tiny fee,” Brian smiles, and pulls out a copper plate, “we get everyone registered, form a party, and head on down. The first delve reward covers the registration fees, and we get to keep what we find.”

Charles chuckles as he pulls out his own copper plate.

I consider, “I suppose I asked the wrong questions…” stupid magic. “But if that doesn't work out, there's also the mercenaries’ guild and a few caravans.” I consider, “But why do dungeons even exist for delving?” That gives everyone pause.

Alice eventually speaks up, “I hadn't thought about it… it just fits…”

Brian shrugs, “It should be common knowledge…” and I watch as he casts Ears of the City on himself, focusing and mumbling. “So why do dungeons exist?” Pause. “Why do delvers exist?” Pause. “How are dungeons made?” Pause. After a bit, Brian nods, focusing on Alice and Charles. “Ah.”

“Don't leave us in suspense, bro, spill!” Charles tilts his head.

Brian takes a deep breath, doing lovely things to his chest, and starts moving his inflated lips….