Offer coin to prove your seriousness [1 Coin]

"Look," you say with a sigh. Reaching down, you pull your coin purse off your belt and toss it onto the center of their table. It makes a satisfying clink as it lands (though not as weighty as you'd like). The adventurers glance down at it, then back up to you, and you cross your arms. "You must have incurred expenses getting this expedition together. Consider that my contribution to the supplies."

The four adventurers glance at one another. "...One moment," the leader says. You nod and step away, and they huddle together over their table, talking quietly but intently amongst themselves. After a few moments, they sit back, looking variously pleased, annoyed, or resigned. The leader beckons you over again.

"All right," he says coolly. "If you want in on the project all that much, you've got it. I just hope you're as capable as you say."

"You don't need to worry," you say with a grin. "May I pull up a chair?"

"Of course. What's your name, friend?"

"I'm Gavilard," you say as you drag a chair over to join their table. It's a little tight with five, but it works. "How about you all?"

"We call ourselves the Ravenwings," the leader says. "I'm Jaxon."

"I'm Todric Foebane," the sturdy man in armor says. "You can call me ****."

"Zella," says the magenta-haired woman curtly.

"And I'm Glory," the blonde says with a sunny smile. She, at least, seems glad to have you here.

"We're here in search of a magical artifact - hired by a collector of such things," Jaxon says. He unrolls the map on the table, which he'd stowed away when you approached. "We're hoping to find it in the Shadewood; there are rumors of a couple of possible locations, mostly old gravesites or ruins. Hopefully luck is with us and we don't have to search them all before we find it."

"Fifth time's the charm, eh?" Todric says with a snort. Jaxon sighs.

"It is true that we...have been searching for this for some time," he admits. "Still - our employer has recouped some of our expenses, and the reward she promises is substantial."

"Well, maybe the problem is that we've never had Gavilard along before," Glory says with a little laugh. "Maybe he's a good-luck charm..."

Todric snorts, Jaxon stares at her impassively, and Zella rolls her eyes.

"In any case..." Jaxon continues dryly, "We were planning to head out into the Shadewood this morning. I trust you're all right with that timing?" His voice has a slight edge, as though daring you to object.

Fortunately, you have no reason to do so. "Fine by me," you tell them. "I just need to settle up my bill here and gather the last of my things. Should we meet outside in, say, an hour?"

Jaxon glances around the table to get the party's consent, and each of them nods. "Sounds like a plan, then. Welcome to the Ravenwings, Gavilard." You grin as he stands, and you rise to shake his hand. The rest of the group gets up as well, and you all go your separate ways to take care of your business.