dial h for hire [video]

[unweave]

[ The feed picks up with a slight buzz of static. The visuals over the network focus on a waist-up shot of Aranea who isn't looking too hot. Not only is her face bruised (healing black eye, slightly swollen nose and busted lip), but there is a bandage pack poking out from under her top. ]

Don't want to waste anyone's time — there's enough stupid messages coming across this every day and I don't want to add to it.

My names Aranea Highwind and I'm recruiting for a mercenary group — odd jobs, monster hunts, personal protection, and the like. I'm willing to give a large cut on jobs I get in, bordering 65%. Tough sons of a bitches please apply and those looking for their problems to be solved? I'm your gal.

[ I mean, even now she's confident with a sly smirk plastered on her face. This is the most blunt ass sales pitch ever? But — ]

You can't trust everyone you meet here, some people will literally stab you. [ She nudges the view to her hip, but rolls her eyes as the camera gets back to her. ] But, there's still people wanting to help out. Why waste your time at that shitty fight club when you can make a difference and get paid for it? Think about it.

Comments

[unweave]

So what would you suggest? Is this where you offer your services as a notary?

[ Teasing, but the formalities of starting the group and managing everyone was definitely going to be new. She leads mainly armies — battles, but it wasn't the most individual of bunches. ]

Can't argue with that...

[moneytwin]

Me? No.

[She was always the one in charge of handling the money, that's all. Although that said..

She looks thoughtful a moment, as though actively considering it. Then shakes her head]

The way you've described things are more akin to the way a guild or guild network would work. How are mercenary companies run back where you are from?

[unweave]

People usually stick to themselves. The Empire doesn't play well with others. [ At least, not if you have a mind of your own. ] I ran solo for a while so most of my experiences? Tie through that. Just started the whole 'lead for others' shtick before I woke up in this mess.

[moneytwin]

Oh lovely. Are they the big, oppressive yet insular kind?

[ She's heard vague tales about Wildmount, and would prefer to never visit, but who knows what might lie in her future? Certainly, here, it's not going to be an issue. ]

Cities back home of course have their standing armies, or militias, but those who seek adventure tend to form their own parties. Most typical when seeking contracts - more people together, more chances to succeed. Usually the jobs are posted on boards, not on networks like these. We don't--didn't have anything like this back in Tal'dorei.

[unweave]

Of course, what other kind is there?

[ EYEROLL. ]

More chances to succeed but smaller the cut gets. I won't be forming parties, if that's whee this is leading. If you have friends or allies that can get your back — use 'em. As long as the jobs get done for the price agreed upon, I doubt people are going to care. I know I won't.

[ But, it's safer. Aranea knew the countryside back home easily. But here? She'd take a few people before making the same mistake again to do things strictly herself. ]

Well, welcome to new adventures. No better time to learn than when you get paid for it.

[moneytwin]

The ones that prefer to reign with terror and dragon fire.

[ That...answer is snapped off a little too easily, a bit too much fact to cover as fiction. But Vex doesn't linger, instead nodding her understanding as Aranea clarifies. ]

I do come as part of a set. [not that she can't work solo, but she's too damned used to having back up these days, she'd just really rather not] And I'm sure if the price isn't acceptable, I can fix that. Still, I think that's workable. Not so much a guild as a network, you scratch my back, etcetera etcetera?

[A long finger taps her lips] ..Well, in the spirit of 'new adventure' and future coin, here's a one time tip for free: find a tavern owner interested in the extra coin a job board would bring in. The good one's'll see the profit they could make from working patrons stopping by - both to place a job or accept one. [eyes twinkle] And who knows what other news might flow with the wine or ale.

[unweave]

Flashy. [ Re: dragons and terror. ] The less of a headache I have to deal with, the better. As long as the people get help, you'll see your coin.

[ She at least can assure that. But, she hums to herself a bit, thinking of the advice. It was solid — reliant on foot traffic. ]

And are you sure you don't want to be notary or some administrator? It's a hot tip. Good idea.

[moneytwin]

That's..one word for it. [devastating is another] Keeping things straight forward. I think we'll get along just fine, then.

[ She doesn't--yet--wink, but it's a near thing, before she sits back in her chair, expression thoughtful. ]

Well, some of that will depend on the pay. [the effort needs to be worth her while, after all] But I'm not going to say no outright just yet.

How about this: I'll see how a contract or two goes first, then I'll get back to you?

[unweave]

Sounds like a plan to me. If anything hitches your panties, you're free to bail out. No hard feelings.

[ SHE IS SO OK WITH ALL OF THIS... ]

[moneytwin]

None whatsoever. And if it works out..

[there's a grin; then Vox Machina will be back in business, and Aranea will likely have a consistent crew of at least 2 people bringing in coin to her on the side. then her head cocks to one side]

So, tell me honestly. How many people do you think will be able to meet your merc-y expectations?

[ Automatically assuming you will, Vex? Pft, yes. ]

[unweave]

You're throwing all these hard questions — I'm a mercenary, not a fortune teller. [ She wishes she could do something more than just deal with throwing jobs at people, but she's at this weird transitional phase where she's going from greedy to a sap. Let her live. ] Enough to actually put a dent in the amount of shit that piles up here.

Twenty, maybe?

[moneytwin]

[ That just earns a brief peal of laughter from Vex. She's not offended, nor (intentionally) mocking Aranea, but it is clear she's at least a little amused by that comment. ]

Better to get them now so you can roll with the punches later, dear. As it is, I think once you've had a chance to get the ball rolling, you'll do just fine with this project.

That's not a bad number for a beginning.

[unweave]

Guess that's right. [ LORD. ] I don't have a doubt about myself, it's the doubt for people not knowing what these jobs hold. Rough business — dirty business, sometimes.

I'll keep it as clean as I can, personally.

[moneytwin]

That's the nature of the business. And some souls here may be a little less [innocent] capable on some missions than others. It's not glamorous work, but I have a feeling you'll be able to convince people of that.

[unweave]

Then so long as there's no major shitstorm, we should be ready to go.

[moneytwin]

[ Well look, now you dun gone jinxed it all. ]

All right. Then I'll talk with my people, and we'll let you know.