Talk your way in

"Look," you say earnestly, "I've been in this town for weeks. I want out. I'm not a bad sort, I've got all my own gear, and I have experience with this sort of thing. Why don't you give me a shot? If you feel I haven't made myself useful, you can ditch me in the woods or just not give me my cut at the end of the day. I'm willing to work on the promise and prove myself."

"I said we're not interested," the leader says firmly, but the blonde reaches over and puts a hand on his arm.

"It wouldn't hurt to have a fifth person along, Jax. And besides, he seems like a decent enough fellow." She smiles warmly at you, and you give her a thankful little nod.

Jax, the leader, glances at the others. "...What do you think?"

The magenta-haired woman just shrugs, looking disinterested. The dark-haired man rubs his stubbled chin thoughtfully. "Glory may be right," he says. "The fellow seems eager enough..."

Jax sighs. "Very well. If I'm the only one suspicious here, I suppose I'm overruled." He turns to you with a slight scowl. "Fine. You're in. But if you try any funny business, we won't hesitate to get rid of you - or leave your body in the forest. Understood?"

"Understood," you say with a grin. "May I pull up a chair?"

Jax nods. As you sit down, he asks, "What do we call you, stranger?"

"I'm Gavilard," you reply. "And you are?"

"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.